2007 European Grand Prix Race Report
Adrian Sutil (car 20, F8-VII/03):
DNF: Accident (2 laps)
Fastest lap: 2:25.798
Markus Winkelhock (car 21, F8-VII/04):
DNF: Hydraulic (18 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:42.783
Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula 1 Team's Markus Winkelhock enjoyed
a sensational Formula 1 debut today at the European Grand
Prix. As rain fell seconds into the parade lap, an inspired
decision to change him to wet tyres in the pit lane for the
start saw the 27-year-old take the lead. As the rain worsened
minutes into the race, Markus changed to extreme wet Bridgestone
Potenzas and extended his lead over the second-placed Ferrari
of Massa to more than 30secs. In unprecedented scenes, a Spyker
led a Grand Prix for the first time this century.
With more rain falling, the safety car was brought out and
the race was eventually red flagged to allow the worst of
the weather to pass. However, as the track dried after the
restart Markus struggled to keep his lead and dropped down
the field. He kept pace with the tail end of the group until
a suspected hydraulic failure brought his first-ever race
to a premature end.
Adrian Sutil was one of several drivers to fall foul of the
slippery first corner in the monsoon-like conditions at the
start. The 24-year-old German slid into a tyre barrier and
out of the race on lap two.
Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'I couldn't hold the car on the wet track and I was just a
passenger in the hairpin. So many people went off there, it
was incredible. I just braked and lost the rear and that was
it. It was a hard impact, but I'm alright, just disappointed.
We just have to hope that the next time will be better.'
Markus Winkelhock (car 21)
'First of all I have to say thanks to the team for letting
me start my first Grand Prix at my home race. Also thanks
for the good decision to go into the pits to change tyres
before the start. Starting on wet tyres was a really fantastic
decision and that's the reason why I was leading my first
Formula 1 race. To lead a Formula 1 race is something nobody
can take away from you - you have it for your whole life.
I am really happy about it - I was leading my home Grand Prix!
Unfortunately then we had a hydraulic problem and I had to
stop. The target for me was to finish, but I know that not
getting there was not down to me, so I am really pleased with
what I achieved.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'Obviously short and sweet but good while it lasted. We had
the forecast of showers coming in and we decided to take the
risk with Markus and put wet tyres on at the start, which
proved to be exactly the right decision. We are one of the
smallest teams at the back of the grid with the smallest budget,
but we showed today that thinking is free and we got the calls
spot on. Then when even more rain came, we put him on extreme
wets so he was in a very good position at that stage. We really
didn't need the safety car or the red flag as he was leading
the race by 30secs and, as one of the only two cars on extreme
wets, I think we would have been in very good shape. Unfortunately
Adrian lost it at turn one, as did many drivers, and then
Markus then stopped with a suspected hydraulic failure. But
overall a great first Grand Prix for Markus, it's been a pleasure
working with him this weekend. He has done a very professional
job and while it was a shame we couldn't get the car to the
finish, I'm sure his dad would be very proud of him.'
Colin Kolles, team principal and managing director
'I am very pleased with the effort of the whole team this
weekend. Markus has done a fantastic job dealing with the
incredible pressure of stepping into a Formula 1 car at his
home race, dealing with that new situation and all the media
interest surrounding him. To then lead the race in such difficult
conditions shows his professionalism and talent. Unfortunately
we couldn't get the car to the finish, but for a Spyker to
have led a race is still a very good showing. It is a shame
for Adrian, but as many other drivers showed, the conditions
were not the easiest to deal with.'
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