24 July: German Grand Prix - Race Report - McLaren Mercedes
McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya finished today's German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in second place, having started the
race from last on the grid.
Kimi Raikkonen was forced to retire on lap 36 whilst leading the 67- lap race with a hydraulic
failure.
Kimi came into the pits for fuel on lap 25 (9.0 seconds). Juan Pablo pitted on laps 27 (9.9 seconds) and 56 (6.2
seconds).
Kimi remains second in the Drivers' World Championship with 51 points, whilst Juan Pablo is fourth with 34 points.
In the Constructors' rankings Team McLaren Mercedes also remains second with 95 points. Kimi also set the fastest lap of the race
with a time of 1:14.873.
Juan Pablo Montoya "A good day for me but a frustrating one for Kimi. I hope the
result made up a bit for the mistake I made yesterday. It was tough because of all the hard work everybody has been putting in.
Anyway, I gained eight places on the first lap which was very good and then settled down a bit behind the next four cars to save
some fuel as there was no need to take any risks as I knew there would be a good chance to pass during the pitstops. To start so far
back was an experience I would rather not repeat as I couldn't even see the lights and just moved when the other cars moved. The
balance of my car was perfect, and we were able to put in a strong performance. The strategy was spot on and allowed me to push
during the race especially when I had the chance to get ahead of Button and Schumacher following their second stops. Without
yesterday's mistake, which put me at the back of the grid, a race win would have been possible."
Kimi Raikkonen "What
can I say! It's always terrible to retire from a race, but to retire whilst in the lead with a good gap to the number two car is
even worse. This is the worst thing that could have happened as it looked like the race was in the bag. However that is motor
racing, but it seems like I have had my fair share of bad luck this season. Myself and the whole team now need to overcome today's
disappointment and focus on the Hungarian race and the rest of the season. There is still a mathematical chance that I can win the
Drivers Championship but it's getting difficult. However we are still in the battle for the Constructors' battle, so we will keep on
fighting."
Ron Dennis "Clearly a weekend of what could have been. Juan Pablo's mistake on Saturday and
Kimi's car's hydraulic problem during the course of dominating the race put paid to what could have been a great weekend. The speed
and general performance of the cars were exceptional and clearly should have provided Juan Pablo and Kimi with the opportunity of a
one-two finish. Juan Pablo's excellent drive from the back of the grid to second clearly demonstrates our capability. Of course the
mountain is now a bit higher and steeper to climb, but our commitment to the challenge remains undiminished - it's more difficult
but not impossible."
Norbert Haug "Kimi's performance was extraordinary until a hydraulic failure finished
his race on lap 36. This is a bad blow to his chances in the title fight. Juan Pablo did a very good job fighting through the field
from last to finish second. It's clear that our reliability must be improved to become as good as the speed of our technical
package. We will work hard for it."
