2007 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX MONTREAL
The Honda Racing F1 Team endured a frustrating race in Montreal
today, where Rubens Barrichello finished in 12th position
and Jenson Button was left on the grid with a gear selection
problem.
The Canadian Grand Prix proved to be one of the most dramatic
races in recent years, with no fewer than four safety car
periods and only 12 out of 22 cars taking the chequered flag.
It proved one safety car too many for the Honda team, compromising
a strategy which would have brought Rubens home well into
the points.
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
"It was a crazy race today and we could have benefited
from all the incidents and retirements to get into the points.
However the last safety car ruined our strategy, which could
have brought us home in fifth position. After Kubica's accident
in the middle of the race, my thoughts were with him. You
never want to see another driver get hurt in that way in front
of you. I am just pleased he is okay. For us, this is a race
we have to put behind us and turn our attentions to Indianapolis."
JENSON BUTTON
"I went to select first gear at the start but there was
nothing. I kept switching from neutral to first on the grid
to try to clear the problem but it just wasn't happening.
The same thing happened when we tried to start from the pitlane.
My race was over before it began which is obviously massively
frustrating and that's all we can say really."
JACKY EECKELAERT
Engineering Director
"It goes without saying that this has been a very disappointing
race for us. First, Jenson had a gear selection problem off
the line and was unable to start the race. Rubens drove well
in very dramatic circumstances and did well to fight his way
up to third place. We had planned our second pitstop for quite
late in the race in order to minimise the number of laps we
completed on the option tyre. Unfortunately the safety car
came out again just before that stop, which bunched the field
back up. Without that safety car, Rubens would have dropped
from third to fifth place but the final safety car consigned
him to 12th position. On a positive note we were all pleased
to hear that Robert Kubica escaped serious injury after what
was a very nasty accident."
RACE STATS
Drivers Car No. Chassis No.Race Result
Rubens Barrichello 8 RA107-02 P12 Fastest Lap 01:18.543
Jenson Button 7 RA107-04 DNF (0 laps)
Weather Warm and sunny
Temperatures Air: 25-30°C Track: 48-65°C
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