UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Sunday quotes: Midland

Impressive Albers

Tiago Monteiro (DNF)
This is one of the most frustrating situations for everyone: the mechanics, engineers and myself. Its probably the worst thing that can happen, because we worked so hard all weekend, only to be knocked out before the first corner. Whats even worse is that I think we were on the right strategy for the race, being on the harder tyre, which would have worked well here, given the extremely hot temperatures. It could have been a really good one. Unfortunately, I got caught up in a racing incident. Everybody was trying to avoid a car that has spun, and I think one of the cars behind turned into me as it was trying to avoid another car. It happened so quickly; I had no time to react. He hit my wheel and my radiator and that was it. But anyway, Im looking forward to testing at Monza this week. Our performance is improving and we have a lot of items to test, so we need to put this behind us and keep pushing ahead, because there are still four races left.

Christijan Albers (DNF)
This could have been a very good race for us. We put in a strong qualifying performance yesterday, and our race pace allowed us to fight for positions. I can definitely tell now where were gaining time on the others and where were losing time, so we have to work on that. But overall, I think its been very positive, because were catching up to the cars ahead. Its just a shame that we made a mistake during the second pit stop. At the end, though, I made a driver error: just going a bit too wide and touching the grass, which caused me to slam pretty hard into the guardrail. My shoulder is a little sore, but otherwise im OK;

Colin Kolles, Managing Director:
I think Christijan drove a great race today. We were looking very competitive relative to the cars in front of us and our times were quite close to theirs. Unfortunately, we had a problem during his second pit stop that cost him a few positions and his race ended shortly afterward. But it was a spirited drive that showed what he and the M16 are capable of. Tiago had some bad luck on his opening lap, but I know he will come back strong. We are testing more new parts next week in Monza, so hopefully we will continue to gain ground on the teams ahead and make the most of the remaining races.

Dominic Harlow, Chief Race and Test Engineer:
Obviously, were very disappointed not to have any cars at the finish. We think Christijan looked very, very strong in the opening stages of the race. Our strategy for him was playing out quite well until his second pit stop, at which point we encountered a problemwith refuelling, so thats something well have to examine. Unfortunately, he had an off shortly afterward, and thats something else well have to look into. Tiagos race doesnt leave much to be said, because it was over in a first-lap shunt in which he was a completely innocent victim.

Johnny Herbert, Sporting Relations Manager:
It was a pity that we didnt finish today, because Christijan was doing a good job of staying ahead of several cars, for example, and having some good battles with the Toro Rossos. He fought all the way, but unfortunately he had the off at the end, which put us out of the race. Tiago never had a chance; he got tapped, spun around, damaged, and put out of the race. So that was just one of those horrible situations thats probably happened to us far too often this year. But overall, I think it was a positive weekend where we were able to show some good speed. Hopefully, that should hold us in good stead at the test in Monza next week, plus the race that follow

Written: Sun, 27 Aug 2006 15:46:51