2006 SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX
IMOLA - RACE
The Honda Racing F1 Team's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello
ended today's San Marino Grand Prix in 7th and 10th positions
after pitstop problems overshadowed a good step forward in
car race speed. After lining up on the 1st and 2nd rows of
the grid, Jenson maintained position through the opening lap
whilst Rubens got a bad start and lost two places. During
the opening stint of the race, both cars demonstrated good
pace and confirmed a sound strategy, but the team went on
to encounter a series of problems in the pits.
At Rubens' first pitstop his fuel rig failed to deliver so
the team rapidly switched to Jenson's rig. At Jenson's first
stop there was a problem with the right rear wheel nut and
then in his second stop the lollipop was lifted momentarily
before the fuel nozzle was disconnected. As the car pulled
away, a number of mechanics were hit by the fuel hose and
knocked over. Some fuel was spilt, but thankfully no one was
seriously hurt and fire extinguishers were instantly on stand-by
but fortunately were not required.
JENSON BUTTON
"There is no doubt that we missed out on the chance of
a podium today as the car was quick and we had a good strategy.
I had a problem at the first pitstop with the right rear wheel
going on and then in the second pitstop the lollipop was raised
before the fuel hose was disconnected. Unfortunately when
that happens, it takes all of the pit crew with it. The Chief
Mechanic has lifted the lollipop perfectly hundreds of times
before and I know he'll make sure this never happens again.
Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt and I know the boys
will be back giving it their all at the next race. Today has
been disappointing but we had the pace and we have certainly
moved forward a lot since Australia. We've said this many
times before but we just have to stay focused and keep pushing."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"It was disappointing for us today at the end of what
has been a strong weekend. I had a bad start and then lost
a lot of time at my first pit stop. The nozzle failed and
the team had to switch me to the other one. The pace of the
car was okay, particularly on the first run, but it was a
bit more difficult in the middle section. The lack of pace
was due to the rear tyres locking; even though the brakes
have got a lot better, the rears were locking on new tyres.
However, the balance of the car is better so we are getting
stronger, we just need to work hard at the areas which are
catching us out. If it wasn't for the problems with fuelling
today, I could have finished in the top six. The team is working
well and we're much happier with the tyre-warming issues,
so we should make a fresh start in Nürburgring in two
weeks."
GIL DE FERRAN
Sporting Director
"Needless to say this was a difficult day for us when
unfortunately it all went wrong in the pits. On his first
stop, Rubens had a fuel rig failure and on Jenson's second
stop the problems were more dramatic but thankfully no one
was hurt as a result of the incident. We are certainly all
disappointed with the final results, however if we had not
had such an uncharacteristically bad day in the pits we would
most likely have been fighting for a podium position. Our
car pace this weekend was competitive and it is onwards and
upwards to the Nürburgring now."
SHUHEI NAKAMOTO
Management Board Member - Honda Racing F1 Team, Engineering
Director - Honda Racing Development
"Overall the race was disappointing today. We have not
been able to get the best out of the car or ourselves this
weekend so we have to refocus for the Nürburgring in
two weeks."
RACE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis Race Result
Rubens Barrichello 11 RA106-01 P11 Fastest lap 01:26.129
Jenson Button 12 RA106-04 P7 Fastest lap 01:25.347
T-Car - RA106-03
Weather Hot and sunny
Temperatures Air: 26-29°C Track: 40-44°C
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