Ferrari's Todt disappointed by German GP ( 2003-08-05 09:37) (Agencies)
Ferrari chief Jean Todt described Sunday's German Grand Prix as the most
disappointing race of the season for the Italian team.
World champion Michael Schumacher slumped from second to seventh after a
puncture three laps from the end, while Brazilian Rubens Barrichello did not
make it past the first corner after being caught up in an accident.
"At least Michael managed to salvage two useful points," Todt said. "There
are four grands prix remaining and Michael leads the drivers' championship by
six points, and Ferrari are ahead by two in the constructors' classification.
"But this was the most difficult and disappointing race of the season because
Michael was on his way to bringing home a very good result in terms of the
championship."
The five-times world champion lost out on a potential six points when he
dropped to seventh and the result was Ferrari's worst points haul since the
Brazilian Grand Prix in March, when both drivers retired.
Schumacher then won four of the next five races to take the initiative in the
title race, but is now under increasing pressure from Montoya, who won on Sunday
in the increasingly impressive Williams.
Unsurprisingly, Schumacher remains up for the fight in his bid to land a
record sixth world title for himself and a fifth consecutive constructors' crown
for his team.
"Obviously I am disappointed to finish only seventh after a tough race which
could have brought me eight points," Schumacher said. "But at least I am still
leading the championship.
"There are now four races to go. It's going to be very close and the battle
for the title will be very exciting, just as we had expected. I am looking
forward to the fight."
