Lost opportunity for Ferrari and Schumacher
A lost opportunity for Ferrari and Michael Schumacher as he failed to finish and score points. Rival Alonso already had to retire the race, so Schumacher, who was in 2nd position, had the opportunity to take back points on the Spaniard. With only 2 laps to go, Schumi had to forfait the race as his track rod broke.
Jean Todt "Obviously, we leave Budapest very disappointed. We had a great opportunity within our grasp and it slipped through our fingers. It was a very unusual and difficult weekend for the main contenders in the championship. Only Felipe got to the finish, picking up a point which at least serves to slightly reduce the gap in the Constructors' championship. The changing weather affected the behaviour of our package. In the first part, we were not competitive, but then the situation changed in our favour. With just a few laps to go it looked as though we were going to get a good result with Michael, especially given that our closest rival had retired. Our driver was trying to defend his position on normal rain tyres on a track that had dried, against rivals who were on dry weather tyres and were therefore much quicker than him. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken track rod and had to retire. With hindsight, it is easy to say that this situation could have been avoided, but there is no point in crying over spilt milk. There is not much to take home from this grand prix, but we know we have a very competitive package, which means we are very much aware that we can still take the title fight down to the wire in both championships."
Felipe Massa "A very difficult race for us, in what was pretty much a lottery. Given how things went, especially in the first part of the race, a point is still something and at least it helps us close the gap in the Constructors' classification. In the wet we were not totally competitive, both on normal and extreme wets. However, as the track began to dry, we began to run very strongly, even more so as soon as I fitted the dry weather tyres, to such an extent that I set the fastest race lap. We have a very competitive package and we will fight right to the end of the championship, starting at the next race in Istanbul."
Michael Schumacher "Of course, I am very disappointed. We had a great opportunity but we did not take it. All weekend and especially the race was something of a rollercoaster and in the end, we found ourselves back where we started, although with one less race to go. The track rod broke as Heidfeld went past. We touched, partly because the track was still a bit slippery. These things happen. Did we take a risk staying out on track with intermediate tyres and in the fight with my rivals? That's the way I am. I always want to fight for the top which is why I have won so often. There are still five races to go. Nothing is yet lost and I will give it my all in trying to win the title."
Ross Brawn "We had a great opportunity this weekend and we were unable to make the most of it. It's true that, when you look at what happened in the race, the outcome could have been much worse, but it is still hard to swallow. Felipe brought home one welcome point but it does not lessen our disappointment. The first part of the race was very difficult, because we were unable to maintain a good enough pace, but as the track began to dry, then things changed. We were then the quickest cars on track and the arrival of the safety car had closed up the gaps, offering us the chance of a good result. In the final stages, we decided to leave Michael out on track on standard rain tyres, because we hoped we could hang on to a good position. Unfortunately, in a duel with Heidfeld, a track rod broke. We have five races ahead of us and all the necessary potential to reach our goals."
