[More Pictures]

Sunday, 11th May 2008

Comeback star's bid for a rostrum finish in Istanbul punctured within seconds of race start...

“These things happen, and I have had a good weekend and really enjoyed being back in the car. It's a shame that we were not able to get points today as I have been fast throughout, but I am really optimistic for Monaco.”

The Woking-based concern's team principal Ron Dennis was nevertheless pleased with his young charge's performance, even if it did ultimately yield nul points.

“Heikki's race was spoiled by a punctured left rear tyre,” the 60-year-old explained, “the result of contact with Kimi at the first corner. As soon as the pit-lane had re-opened, we called him in for tyres and fuel. Thereafter he drove forcefully and well all afternoon. But for that puncture, he would have scored heavily today.”

Advertisement [Go Advertisement Free]

“Kimi touched Heikki at the first corner, and Heikki had to make an extra pit-stop due to a damaged tyre,” added Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President Norbert Haug. “This ruined his race and prevented him from taking a possible podium finish.”

Related Images

[Top of Article]