Sunday: Räikkönen scores another podium, Grosjean sorry

Kimi Räikkönen – 3rd:

I got off to a pretty good start, similar to Jenson’s (Button), and I passed the Saubers. I saw a lot of action in my mirrors but fortunately, I was able to get through. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace today. My car wasn’t great all weekend and we couldn’t find competitive settings. With new tires, it was okay, but we had to use a lot of downforce to prevent sliding. This meant we were very slow on the straights. You could see it during my battle with Michael (Schumacher). Every time I passed him, he would overtake me again on the Kemmel straight. My only chance was to create a gap at Eau Rouge. Fortunately, it paid off and I managed to stay ahead of him. We weren’t fast enough today and it wasn’t an easy race, so this third place isn’t so bad. 

Romain Grosjean – Retirement

« When your life is dedicated to motorsport, not being allowed to take part in an event is probably the worst experience you can have. That being said, I must respect the stewards’ decision. I got a good start – despite the distraction of Pastor’s too early take-off, which was the case for everyone I think at the front – and I was heading towards the first corner when the rear of my car touched the front of Lewis’s (Hamilton) car. I honestly thought I was ahead of him and that there was enough room for both cars, I didn’t deliberately want to squeeze him. This situation in the first corner was obviously not what anyone wanted and fortunately no one was injured in the incident. I want to apologize to the drivers involved and to their fans. I can only say that today is part of the process that will make me a better driver. »