False start costs Schumacher dear

29/07/2012

Mat Coch writes:

The Hungarian Grand Prix got off to a false start after Michael Schumacher pulled in to the wrong grid slot.

It was initially believed The seven-time world champion had simply lined up outside of the slot drivers need to start in however, it has since been revealed that Schumacher in fact stopped on grid slot nineteen, and not seventeen.

Race Director Charlie Whiting, noticing the German's error, aborted the start. Expecting a temporary delay in proceedings as the grid was reformed - a process that had been in the regulations in 2006 - Schumacher switched off his Mercedes engine so as not to overheat it.

However, the field was waved around on another formation lap, leaving marshals to push Schumacher's stricken Mercedes into the pit-lane from where the 43-year-old eventually started the race.

The German ultimately retired from the race, having never recovered from an early puncture and subsequent drive through penalty.

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