Team McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya finished today's European Grand Prix in seventh position. Kimi Raikkonen retired on the last lap due to a suspension failure having led for most of the race. A flat spotted tyre and the resulting strong vibrations were the cause of the failure. Juan Pablo's race was severely hampered at the first corner after the start when he was hit by another car. He resumed in 13th position having gained two places from his fifth place grid position. Both drivers were on two -stop strategies which saw Kimi coming in on lap 18 (9.1 seconds) and lap 43 (6.7 seconds). Juan Pablo pitted on lap 19 (9.2 seconds) and lap 45 (7.8 seconds). Kimi remains second in the Drivers' World Championship with 27 points whilst Juan Pablo is eighth with 16 points. Team McLaren Mercedes are second in the Constructors' Championship with 53 points.
Kimi Raikkonen: "I am really frustrated to retire from the race in the lead on the very last lap having dominated throughout. I had a well balanced car until a flatspot on my right front tyre caused terrible vibrations which eventually led to the suspension failure. We lost valuable ten points in the championship, however we will do our very best to try to win races in the remainder of the season as we have a very competitive package. This is not just a sad result for me but for the entire team that has worked so hard."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "I am disappointed with the outcome of the race which was very tough for me. I had a good start and turned into the first corner in third place when I was hit by Mark Webber and went off. I resumed in 13th position and had to make my way up through the field. It is a pity not to have finished higher up as I had a quick car all weekend. We now have to look ahead and I will do my best to achieve a good result at the Canadian Grand Prix."
Ron Dennis: "Perhaps understandably the whole team has a strong sense of disappointment, heightened by the fact that Kimi's retirement took place on the last lap. Kimi flatspotted his right front tyre passing Jacques Villeneuve and from that moment on the front suspension was subject to extremely high levels of vibration. Kimi was able to cope with the inevitable blurred vision for over 15 laps and the team discussed with him his tyre condition. We jointly decided to go for the win and no member of the team including Kimi regrets this decision. The resulting suspension failure was understandable in the circumstances. Juan Pablo's race was looking good after a strong start putting him third after the first corner. Inevitably someone is going to get the braking wrong into the first corner and in this instance it appeared to be Mark Webber with Juan Pablo suffering the consequences. Once he had returned to the field and even with a badly damaged floor he was able to race to seventh place."
Norbert Haug: "Kimi drove a tremendous race and deserved to win. His retirement from the lead four kilometres from the finish was caused by a flat spotted tyre and strong vibrations resulting in a suspension failure. This is a very disappointing end to the race which had been dominated by Kimi. Juan Pablo's chances for a good result were over at the first corner after the start whilst being in third place when Mark Webber pushed him off the track. However we will continue to attack and try to do our best in the fight for the World Championship. We are now looking forward to the next race in Canada."
