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2005 China GP
Team Quotes - Sunday 16 October
Jean Todt: A bad end to a very disappointing season. Today, we failed to get either car home in the points. It is not the first time that, along with Bridgestone we find ourselves leaving the track empty handed after a difficult weekend. Given that situation, we can say that third place in the Constructors' and the same result with Michael in the Drivers' is pretty much of a miracle. I hope we can put this year behind us as quickly as possible and to be back for the start of the next season in a position to once again aim for the top. To do that, we have a lot of work ahead of us along with our friends at Bridgestone, in whom we have great confidence. I want to make a point of thanking Rubens for putting his heart and soul into trying to end his time at Ferrari, which will always be unforgettable, in the best possible way. Unfortunately, excessive front tyre wear meant he was unable to make it into the top eight. And an affectionate thought for Peter Sauber: a great race from Felipe Massa means he can end his fantastic adventure in Formula 1 in fine style. I wish him every happiness for the future.
Ross Brawn: This race was a very strange way to finish the season, but perhaps it typifies our year. Michael had an incident before the start and then, behind the Safety Car, he was just caught out as he was warming up his brakes. Rubens was doing fine for a while, but then his tyres began to lose performance. From that point on there was not much he could do. We changed the left front wheel because of a flat spot that was causing a lot of vibration. For safety reasons we felt there was little to be gained by staying out on track, so we changed it. Obviously, a very disappointing season and Ferrari and Bridgestone know they have a lot of work to do to get back to where we need to be. No one at Ferrari has enjoyed this season and we will be back stronger.
BAR Honda concluded a challenging season with its 10th successive points finish today as Jenson Button crossed the line in 8th position at the end of an action-packed Chinese Grand Prix. For Takuma Sato, racing for the final time for BAR Honda, his swan-song was brought to an early conclusion by gearbox failure after 34 laps.
Jenson's race start lost him a place off the grid but the car performed well in the first stint before a problematic first outing for the safety car lost him three places in the running order. Takuma was deemed to have jumped the start and was given a drive-through penalty, which relegated him to the back of the pack. During running under the first safety car he experienced some gearbox problems and these got progressively worse before he was forced to retire. Under the second safety car, Jenson was held up by a car that slowed unnecessarily before entering the pits and further time was lost.
At the end of a thrilling climax to the 2005 season, BAR Honda lies 6th in the Constructors' Championship, whilst Jenson and Takuma are 9th and 23rd respectively in the Drivers' Championship.
Gil de Ferran: "We are really disappointed with today's result. This is always the case with any mechanical failure, but even more so for Taku as this was his last race with BAR Honda and it would have been nice for him to at least take the chequered flag one last time whilst driving one of our cars.
"Perhaps frustrated is the best way to describe how we feel about what happened to Jenson today. Things were going very well until we exited the pits after our first stop. When the Safety Car picked up Montoya and Jenson on their way out of the pits then kept them behind for a few corners, we lost a lot of time. By the time he finally followed Montoya past the safety car, the damage was done and that one incident sealed the fate of our race, not to mention other competitors. Furthermore he was delayed by Webber coming into the pits for our second stop, which denied us the opportunity to improve our position at that time. The frustrating thing is that, although we didn't have the fastest car, our speed and strategy should have allowed us to finish much higher up and for reasons beyond our control we ended up where we did.
"In closing I would like to thank our partners and all of our team members for the tremendous effort they put into this season. Although ultimately we did not win a race, it certainly wasn't due to lack dedication from all the great people at BAR Honda. We now shift our focus to 2006 which I am sure will bring greater rewards. Finally, our congratulations to Renault and Fernando Alonso on a great season."
Shuhei Nakamoto: "A disappointing day to end a disappointing season. Formula One is undoubtedly the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport and is a great challenge, but it is not enough for us just to be here. We, as Honda, have to work harder, be smarter and above all else refocus all our efforts during the winter on our goal of winning."
End of season message from Nick Fry: "The 2005 season has been a challenging one for BAR Honda, but we have pulled together throughout to resolve our issues and to continue to develop the car. The experience gained this year has made our team much stronger for 2006 and beyond. Problems which confronted us in the first half of the season were quickly put aside and the team recorded good grid positions and championship points consistently through the second half of the year. The introduction of developments on the engine and chassis has been relentless right through to the final race and the time, effort and enthusiasm demonstrated by everyone at our bases in England and in Japan, in testing and at the race circuits, has been remarkable. They are all to be congratulated. Finally, the support we have received from Michelin and all our partners has been unfailing - they are all true members of our team and we are proud to work with them. Takuma raced in his final Grand Prix for BAR Honda today but we hope to see him back in a Formula One car very soon.
Although we clearly didn't achieve the results we wished for in 2005, the team is stronger and more motivated than ever before. Honda's acquisition of the team presents a new and exciting challenge for the future and next year we intend to be challenging for race wins with Jenson and Rubens as team-mates."
This afternoon at the Chinese Grand Prix, the Renault F1 Team won the FIA Formula One World Constructors' Championship. A dominant team performance saw Fernando Alonso take his seventh win of the season, while Giancarlo Fisichella finished fourth, only missing a podium finish through a questionable penalty from the FIA late in the race. But the day was dominated by joy: the constructors' championship comes alongside Fernando Alonso's drivers' championship to leave Renault as double world champions, an historic first for the French company.
Patrick Faure, President: This was a perfect weekend for the team. The race was full of emotion, and we twice had a big advantage wiped out but even in the third part of the race, we pulled away. Nobody could stay with the Renaults today, and nothing could stop us from winning. This has been a perfect season, and I would like to congratulate the whole team, thank Flavio for his excellent management, and also pay tribute to our partners, who have enabled us to win. This victory is a welcome reward for all their work, and a great moment in Renault's history.
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: A great victory for Renault and the whole team. We managed the drivers' chase well this season, and after that people built up the constructors' championship as if it was the most important title in this sport. So to come here this weekend and dominate the race shows we have done the job right this year, both with Fernando and as a team. We have shown speed, reliability, and the whole team at Enstone, Viry and in Renault has worked flat out to make this happen. I also want to thank our sponsors, who allow us to go racing, and the Renault group for their fantastic support at every level. All those people are the reasons why we are world champions today. The last word goes to our drivers: Fisico drove brilliantly this afternoon, and after he was criticised in Japan, he put in a splendid performance; Fernando was, as always, superb. I think this a Renault team is a dream team.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: The constructors' championship means so much to the team, not just here at the circuit but back at Enstone and Viry where people have worked with such dedication throughout the season. This is the recognition of all the work they have done, and we send our congratulations to them. The race itself did not unfold as expected, and in all honesty I wish the safety car periods had not happened, because that would have allowed us to show the true performance we have gained in the past few weeks. To win the championship with a dominant race win is the perfect way to round off an amazing season.
I would also like to thank Michelin for their efforts this year, and congratulate them on their fabulous success. It is a fitting tribute to the vision of Pierre Dupasquier as he retires after this race. There has not been a race this year where the conditions have not suited their tyres, and today was no exception. They have dominated from start to finish.
The last race of the 2005 season, which also marked the end of the 6-year partnership between BMW and WilliamsF1, saw Mark Webber taking 7th place while team-mate Antonio Pizzonia was forced to retire on the last lap when he was running 11th, due to a puncture to his right rear tyre.
Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1): It is not really the end that we would have liked to have had to the season because the car was stronger today than the result. Anyway, that's it for the 2005 season. Now we're looking forward to returning to our winning form next year. With Mark's race strategy we should have been further up if we hadn't been held off for so long by Barrichello. Congratulations to Renault for taking both Championships, they really deserved it more than any other team.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): Due to the incidents and safety car phases it was quite a turbulent race today. In the end, the two drivers who have dominated the entire season were at the front. Behind them just about anything was possible today. Mark got stuck behind Rubens Barrichello after his second pit stop and therefore missed out on the chance of a podium finish, which would have been a very nice conclusion to our six years partnership with WilliamsF1. However, one can say that our team performed well in the last few races. Congratulations to Renault for a well deserved constructors' title.
Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished second in the last race of the 2005 Formula One season in Shanghai. The Finn was on a two-stop strategy and came in on laps 19 (10 seconds) and 30 (5.04 seconds). Team mate Juan Pablo Montoya was forced to retire on lap 24 with an engine failure. The Colombian hit a loose manhole cover at Turn 10 on lap 18. He came in to replace a punctured front right tyre on the same lap (10 seconds) and then pitted again one lap later to refuel (11.2 seconds). Consequently Team McLaren Mercedes finish second in the 2005 Constructors' World Championship with 182 points. Kimi ends the season second in the Drivers' standings with 112 points and Juan Pablo is fourth with 60 points.
Ron Dennis: "Not the result we would have preferred, but that is motor racing. I think everything seemed to work against us today, and the Safety Car period meant that we were unable to take full advantage of our strategy. It's frustrating not to achieve the result we want at the end of a season where we have finished on the podium 18 times and claimed 10 victories. Both drivers have done a good job this season as has the team and we will work hard to ensure that the momentum continues next season."
Norbert Haug: "We can look back on a good season, and I want to thank everybody in the team for all their efforts. Today we were unable to see how our strategy would have unfolded in comparison to the opposition because the Safety Car was deployed before the first round of pit stops. Kimi made the best out of the situation with his second place. Unfortunately Juan Pablo hit a loose drain cover and immediately after that he suffered an engine failure the cause of which is still being investigated. Congratulations to Renault for winning the Constructors' title at the end of a great and closely fought season we are looking forward to 2006."
In Peter Sauber's last race as a Formula One Team Principal, Sauber drivers Felipe Massa and Jacques Villeneuve finished 6th and 10th respectively in the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Peter Sauber (Team Principal): "This was one of the most emotional days of my time in Formula One, for both myself and for the team. It was a very exciting race with a happy ending. When the safety car came out the second time Willy Rampf decided on a high-risk strategy to keep Felipe out, and Felipe rose superbly to the occasion to do everything he needed to do to make that work. It was perfect teamwork, which complemented the reliability of the Sauber C24. Jacques' race was going well until the first safety car period, after which he lost the rhythm.
"I want to thank everyone on the team for doing an excellent job today and over the past 13 years, and all our fans back home in Switzerland and around the world for the unfailing support we have enjoyed so much during our memorable time in Formula One."
Starting from seventh on the grid, David made an excellent start. The 13-time grand prix winner moved up to sixth position, was threatening Jenson Button for overall fifth and pushing hard aboard his RB1. He made his first pit stop and was looking set for a good race, but then was extremely unlucky to be caught behind the safety car, which seemed to believe Montoya, two cars ahead, was the race leader. After allowing Montoya, Button and David to pass, this relegated the trio behind several of the chasing cars. When the safety car came for a second time, the team fuelled David's car to the end of the race but, unfortunately, the damage had already been done and he ended the race in ninth position.
On a more positive note, Christian Klien scored his highest ever finish, set the some of the fastest laps of the race and crossed the line fifth to take four points for the team and himself in the FIA Championships. A quick- thinking strategic decision by the team not to pit Christian during the second safety car stint, worked perfectly. It's a fitting end to Red Bull Racing's first season, which saw the team start the year by claiming points and ending it in exactly the same way. Bring on 2006
Michael Janes Cosworth F1 Race Engineering: Both Cosworth engines ran without fault all weekend, despite a more aggressive duty cycle. We're delighted with Christian's fifth position, which is a great result for him. David had a frustrating race, which prevented him from getting the most from his car and engine. But, overall, a great way for Cosworth and Red Bull Racing to end the season.
Panasonic Toyota Racing has finished off the season in style with a podium finish at today's Chinese Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher took third place after a well-timed pit stop that coincided with the first safety car period. He ran as high as second for long periods and battled hard to his second podium of 2005. Jarno Trulli was less fortunate with the timing of the safety cars and dropped down the field, but he still pushed hard on his way to 15th place. The six points mean that Toyota ends its best ever season by consolidating its 4th place in the constructors' championship with 88 points.
Ralf Schumacher's podium was his 14th points finish of 2005 and enough for 6th place in the drivers' championship.
Jarno Trulli had a difficult end to his fine season, coming home 15th after falling foul of the safety car period.
Ralf Schumacher's 3rd place finish rounds off the best season in Panasonic Toyota Racing's F1 history.
Tsutomu Tomita Team Principal: "It has been a very good year for us and to finish on the podium is a fine way to finish it off. So I would like to offer my thanks to everyone on the race team and at Cologne as well as everyone at TMC in Japan and all our partners. Thanks to both drivers for a great season. Jarno has been unfortunate several times and again today he didn't have much luck. He pitted the lap before the safety car and it ruined his race when he wasn't waved past. He had to make a late stop because of a bad tyre problem but I'm grateful to him for bringing the car home. Ralf was unlucky with the safety car at Suzuka but today went much better. We made efficient use of the pit stop and kept him out on the second safety car period hoping that traffic would hold up the field, which worked out perfectly. Our fifth podium is a great end to a great year. We are not yet able to compete with the top teams so we need harder development to overtake them. But we already have some excellent data from the B car and this podium will provide excellent motivation over the winter."
Mike Gascoyne Technical Director Chassis: "This podium is a fitting tribute to all the year's hard work by everyone both on the race team and back in Cologne. To come here with the B car and go away with a result like that is excellent so a big thank you to everyone involved."
The Jordan Grand Prix drivers experienced mixed fortunes in the concluding race of its final season and 250th Grand Prix in Formula One. Karthikeyan came into the pits at the end of the formation lap while Monteiro had a good start. After the safety car period due to a damaged drain cover being on the track, Karthikeyan lost control of his car at turn 13 but fortunately escaped unhurt from the ensuing accident. Meanwhile, Monteiro, the first Bridgestone finisher today, had a rather uneventful race, ran a two-stop strategy and finished in 11th position.
Adrian Burgess: Narain obviously had a fairly huge shunt, which was partly due to the safety staying out on track quite a long time. However, the main thing is that he is ok. Tiago did a fantastic job. The engineers made the right strategy choices under safety car. Tiago had another finish and apart from the last 15 laps in the Brazilian GP, he has completed all of the 19 races. He has had the most race mileage from all the drivers, which is amazing for a rookie. This shows the excellent reliability we have had throughout the season. We would like to thank our partners, Toyota and Bridgestone for their tremendous support. I would also like to congratulate Renault for winning the Constructors Championship as well as the Drivers Championship. This is the end of an era for the yellow cars and now we are looking forward to next year when we will become Midland. Everybody is very motivated and I would also like to thank all the staff at the factory and everyone who has supported Jordan over the years. Let's start again and here we go Midland 2006.
In the final race of an illustrious 21-year history of competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Minardi F1 Team did what it has always done, and raced as hard as it could in today's Grand Prix of China. When the chequered flag fell on the concluding race of the 2005 Formula One season, drivers Robert Doornbos and Christijan Albers had claimed 14th and 16th places respectively. The afternoon was not without incident for the Faenza squad, however, and particularly Albers, who had to start the race from the pit lane in the team's spare car after a collision with Michael Schumacher's Ferrari while proceeding to the grid. He then had to make an unscheduled pit stop four laps from the finish when a wheel nut came loose. Doornbos had a less eventful race, climbing as high as 13th just before the second of his two scheduled pit stops, but like Albers, lost track position as a result of making his first stop immediately prior to the first deployment of the Safety Car. Doornbos did derive some satisfaction, however from finishing the race just two seconds behind the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello.
Gian Carlo Minardi, Team Founder: I want to thank our Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, for everything he has done to make the Minardi name synonymous around the world with competing with dignity and to the maximum level possible, given the available technical resources. Over the years, we have experienced a number of problems, but we've been able to deal with them thanks to the passion that has always existed within this team. I want to thank all the guys, at the races and at the factory, for the effort they have put in over these last 21 years. I also want to thank all the drivers, who have helped to make this team great, and all the sponsors and fans, who have supported us unstintingly.
Paul Stoddart, Team Principal: "The tally is 340 Grands Prix, 21 seasons, 37 drivers and one World Champion, with perhaps more to come. That's a pretty impressive record by any standards, and I'm proud of each and every member of the Minardi team. Together with all of our colleagues back at the factory in Faenza, this team has a heart and soul second to none. The words, "Never has so much been achieved by so few with so little", can never have been as justified as they are with Minardi. Given that the team has survived against all odds over the years, competing with both dignity and passion while contributing so much to the FIA Formula One World Championship, today is a sad day. To our current drivers, Christijan and Robert, and to all the Minardi drivers and team members over the years, thank you very much for a job well done."
In a season which has seen more than its fair share of excitement, today's season finale, the China Grand Prix, continued to spring a few surprises at the Shanghai International Circuit. Events kicked off when seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher and Minardi's Christijan Albers collided on their way to the grid for the 56-lap race. The result left both drivers with severely damaged cars and both had to make a last minute switch to their T-Cars before starting from the pitlane. In the knowledge that just two points separated him from McLaren's Juan Pablo Montoya, Schumacher began his arduous battle up through the field. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro teammate, Rubens Barrichello, meanwhile, got a good clean start and was running at a competitive pace with the front pack. With the race running its course, the unexpected Safety Car period for a damaged drain cover set into motion a spiralling set of events. Montoya had shortly before been forced to pit to change a front tyre and while still under the safety car, Schumacher spun off after locking up his brakes, putting an end to his race and potentially his hopes for third place in the drivers' championship. However, in a twist of fate, Montoya was forced to retire shortly after. Schumacher and Montoya therefore finished their seasons on 62 and 60 points respectively, handing Schumacher third place. Shortly after, Narain Karthikeyan's race was also brought to an abrupt halt after the Jordan Grand Prix driver unexpectedly crashed off. It was a disappointing end for the Indian driver who had qualified in 15th place on Saturday. Rubens Barrichello, meanwhile, finished his final race for Ferrari in 12th place after flat spotting his front tyres and having to change one for precautionary safety reasons. However, for Portuguese driver, Tiago Monteiro, the China Grand Prix was a more satisfying race as the rookie driver completed his 18th race from 19 starts. Minardi's Robert Doornbos and Albers completed their final race of the season in 14th and 16th places.
Hisao Suganuma Technical Manager Bridgestone Motorsport: "Well, Michael's race was over before it began. Both Michael and Christijan had to start in their spare cars which were not fully adjusted to the drivers. This was a handicap for both of them. Rubens made a good start and was showing a good performance in the first half of the race. Unfortunately he flat- spotted both front tyres and the team decided to change the left front tyre in the pits as a safety precaution. During the safety car period Michael had a problem with his brakes and he spun which ended his race. Like last year, this race has brought no luck for Michael and neither Ferrari driver could show their true potential. By our own high standards it has been a disappointing and tough season but we are motivated to return to the top with our current and new partners in 2006. Despite this, I'd like to thank everyone involved for their efforts this year. We have an extensive winter programme planned and everyone at Bridgestone is determined to get back to winning ways."
Ross Brawn Technical Director Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro: "That was a very strange race to finish the season with. It perhaps typified our whole year. Michael had his incident at the beginning. I think he was warming his brakes up and got caught out. Rubens was fine until about half way through the race when his tyres went away. He flat-spotted his front tyres which caused vibrations and for reasons of safety we decided to change his front left. This has been a disappointing season. Ferrari and Bridgestone have a lot of work to do over the winter period to get back to where we want to be. No-one at Ferrari enjoys a season like this but we'll be back next year!"
Michelin has completed its clean sweep of this year's Formula One titles after partner Renault clinched the championship for constructors in today's season-closing Chinese Grand Prix. Its drivers Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella finished first and fourth respectively at the Shanghai International Circuit enough to put the team nine points clear of McLaren Mercedes.
Michelin's one-two in the F1 world championship for constructors is the latest success during a season in which the company has totally dominated top-class international motorsport. Alonso made history three weeks ago, in Brazil, when he became the youngest driver ever to clinch the F1 title and the fourth to do so with Bibendum.
Michelin and its seven teams have absolutely dominated the F1 campaign, winning 18 of the 19 races, recording 18 pole positions and setting 16 fastest laps. Its partners have taken 47 podium finishes from a possible 57 and scored 619 of the 741 available points.
Michelin has achieved its F1 title double in the first year of revised regulations that obliged drivers to use a single set of tyres for qualifying and a full race distance of about 300 kilometres (186 miles). During a 19-event campaign on five continents, Michelin's tyres have provided unrivalled performance and consistency. In today's finale, all seven Michelin teams scored championship points.
The company's 2005 successes have not been restricted to F1, either. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) won the MotoGP title, Michelin's 14th consecutive success and a 25th in all in motorcycle racing's top division, Sιbastien Loeb (Citroλn) has taken the World Rally Championship for the secon d time Michelin's 37th WRC title and Tom Kristensen, Marco Werner and JJ Lehto (Audi) netted Michelin's 13th outright victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours, extending an unbeaten run that stretches back to 1998. This has been an unforgettable campaign for Michelin. No matter what the conditions, the company has underlined its unmatched motorsport versatility on two wheels and four.
Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin motorsport director: "I'd like to congratulate Flavio Briatore and the whole Renault team on their s econd F1 title success. They have put together a fantastic package that has given them a vital edge over the course of the season. Fernando Alonso drove an absolutely faultless race today. He is extremely fast when he needs to be but understands how to manage his speed over a race distance we have seen that many times this year.
"It would also be fitting to compliment all our partners for their contributions during what has been an incredible year for Michelin. I might be retiring at the end of the season, but I will leave with many warm memories of an exceptional farewell campaign. Michelin won't rest on its laurels, however. Our team will be hard at work again by Tuesday as it seeks to do it all again in 2006. To them and all our partners, I offer my very best wishes for the future."
Nick Shorrock, director of Michelin F1 activities: "What can I say? This was another fantastic demonstration by Michelin and its teams. I'd like to endorse Pierre's comments by extending my congratulations to Renault and my s incere thanks to all our partners, who have contributed to such a successful season.
"Our tyres performed very impressively again today. There was inevitably a period during which pressures dropped off in the wake of two lengthy Safety Car interruptions during a relatively short period, but our tyres met all the necessary safety criteria without performance being compromised. All seven partners scored points today a neat way to end a fabulous year."
Edouard Michelin, Michelin chairman and CEO: "This has been an absolutely unforgettable season for Michelin. More than ever, our company has demonstrated its ability to adapt to any circumstance in any form of motorsport, on two wheels or four. I would like to congratulate all of Michelin's partners who have contributed to a glorious chapter in Michelin's competition history a tale that stretches back 117 years."
Patrick Faure, president, Renault F1 Team: "I'd like to offer a vote of thanks to Michelin. Its products have demonstrated clear superiority throughout the year a clear indication that it is the best tyre company presently competing in F1. Michelin is also a partner of our main rival Team McLaren Mercedes and we have enjoyed a fantastic battle for the constructors' battle something that wasn't settled until today's seasonal finale. It is appropriate that Michelin a French company should have played a key part in its compatriot Renault's success."
Flavio Briatore, managing director, Renault F1 Team: "When you win a world championship, it is clear indication that everything is working very well as a package the drivers, the chassis, the crew and the tyres. The latter play a fundamental role and Michelin has demonstrated this year that it has the upper hand. There was an epic fight between Renault and McLaren for the constructors' title. Even though Michelin knew it was assured of success either way, our success today is the culmination of a joint effort and that is an important factor."
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