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Sunday, September 10, 2006

F1 Monza: Kimi Raikkonen Second
Today was one of most emotional and historical days in Formula 1. The legendary and most successful Formula 1 driver that broke every record, Michael Schumacher, has announced his retirement today. I have always loved and respected Michael, ever since I started watching the F1 12 years ago; we will all truly miss him, and wish him the best in his future.

Kimi has been chosen to join the Ferrari Team next season together with Felipe Massa. Kimi started from the 11th pole position of his career and the third pole of the last four races. He won the sprint race down to the first chicane ahead of Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) who completed the opening lap in second place with Kimi leading by one second. Pedro started from seventh position, lost one place and was eighth at the end of the first lap.

Kimi Raikkonen: "I'm happy with my second place here in Monza. All in all this was a good weekend for us, and the team has done a fantastic job. We have improved our starting system, which helped me a lot on the run to the first corner. And I was able to make a good start. I was controlling the race until my first pit stop and the fact that Michael was able to stay out for one more lap than me eventually decided the outcome of the race.”

Pedro de la Rosa: "I lost a place at the start to slot into eighth. After that I was stuck behind cars, so I never really found out how quick I could have been. My first pit stop went as planned. We put a lot of fuel in the car to ensure a long second stint, which was aimed to get me in clean air at the end. However all of sudden the engine failed, I had to stop the car and that was the end of the race for me. It is a pity as our package was very competitive today."

Ron Dennis, Team Principal: "A good drive from Kimi. A single lap of more fuel in the first stint could have turned second into a possible victory - but that's racing. Pedro suffered a rare engine failure, which meant an early end to his race. The result shows that the team's relentless efforts and disciplined approach throughout this weekend led to a positive result. Irrespective of the announcement of Kimi's future - and of course we wish him all the best – the entire team will continue to focus on the balance of the season where race wins are still possible as illustrated by today's result."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "Second position, pole position, fastest lap and finishing as best Michelin team is a good job by the team and Kimi. We have been close to Michael Schumacher and not too much was missing to win today. Congratulations to Michael. For me it is sad to learn that he will retire after this season. With his retirement an era of Formula One racing ends. As already stated in our separate press release we all wish Kimi who will leave us at the end of the year all the best. Unfortunately Pedro suffered an engine failure, the cause of which is currently investigated. We will now work hard before the last three overseas races in order to do one better than today."

1 . Michael Schumacher
2 . Kimi Raikkonen
3 . Robert Kubica
4 . Giancarlo Fisichella
5 . Jenson Button
6 . Rubens Barrichello
7 . Jarno Trulli
8 . Nick Heidfeld
9 . Felipe Massa
10 . Mark Webber
11 . Christian Klien
12 . David Coulthard
13 . Scott Speed
14 . Tonio Luizzi
15 . Ralf Schumacher
16 . Takuma Sato
17 . Christijan Albers


posted by Muamer Hodzic @ 9/10/2006 11:48:00 AM    
 
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