19/03/2005
NEWS STORY
Seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher, has apologized to WilliamsF1 star Nick Heidfeld, for the collision that caused both of them to retire from the recent Australian Grand Prix.
At a meeting of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) on Friday, Schumacher, in front of his fellow drivers, apologized to his countryman.
However, despite reports elsewhere, there was no 'ganging-up' on Schumacher, and certainly no vote by the Ferrari star's 19 rivals, including teammate Rubens Barrichello, ass had been claimed.
"There was no vote," said Webber, following the meeting, according to Reuters. "We're not that intelligent.
"We just discussed the ethics of what happened," he added. "As drivers, we're not massive about moving about in the braking area. Michael clearly defended once, then maybe tried to defend again and that's what put Nick on the grass."
"Nick made his point very well," David Coulthard, currently the third most experienced driver on the grid, told reporters.
"Nobody disagreed apart from Michael initially," he continued. "But with some persuasion he realised it wouldn't be sensible to disagree.
"We have a gentleman's agreement on not moving in the braking zone that's designed to avoid incidents. Michael accepts he moved, effectively, twice and will endeavour not to do so again. Time will tell whether it does happen again."
"It was spoken about very openly," said Webber, "I think most people were happy it was bit more Michael's fault than Nick's."
Race stewards in Melbourne were satisfied that the incident was an accident.