Red Bull Assessment – The team had high hopes, in vain

At the end of Friday’s free practice, the Red Bull Racing team was best positioned to challenge the favorites such as McLaren and Ferrari. The Scuderia, unlucky this Sunday, left only McLaren; unfortunately, fate decided otherwise for the Austrian team.

The two single-seaters were involved in accidents caused by other cars and therefore against their will. Webber retired in the first lap while Coulthard held on until the 25th before Massa hit him, which led to the appearance of the safety car.

David Coulthard – Withdrawal:

I can understand that Felipe Massa was in a faster car and that he was trying to overtake me, but you better hold your car to make that pass, especially in a corner like that one.

« The same situation happened to me last year except that I was in Massa’s role and Alex Wurz was in my place. I attempted a risky overtake, but I took full responsibility for it and I expect Felipe to do the same today. »

Mark Webber – Retirement:

« It’s a real disappointment. I made a reasonable start by finding myself behind Kimi Räikkönen, then I think someone hit Jenson Button on the inside and I had to go through the grass but then Kazuki Nakajima came to hit me at the front of the car. »

« There was him and Anthony Davidson, we were all side by side. I was trying to give them as much space as I could but contact was inevitable. I think the left rear part of my car was hit by Davidson. »

Christian Horner – Director:

« A particularly disappointing race for Marc, at home for his local Grand Prix. Unfortunately, there are Sunday afternoons where nothing goes right, even though we weren’t the only ones in this regard. Fortunately, the next race is in a week, so we look forward to leaving Australia tonight. »

Fabrice Lom – Engine Manager Renault:

« It was a technically pure race, we had two accidents caused by the fault of others, but that’s racing… We can see that the new rules have spiced up the race a bit and the dangers are therefore greater! »