16/10/2005
NEWS STORY
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.
Kimi Raikkonen: "Today was not our day and finishing second was the best we could do but obviously it was not enough to take the title. The car was not quick enough at the start of the race and when it really came on towards the end it was too late. I don't know why this was the case as we have been quick throughout the weekend. The Safety Car was deployed due to the loose manhole cover. The lap before Juan Pablo hit the cover I saw it was at a strange angle and just managed to avoid it the following lap. The whole incident brought out the Safety Car which meant that we were not really able to use our strategic advantage. We did what we could this year but it was not enough so congratulations to Renault but next year we try again and I can't wait."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "A strange race to end the season. The car was working well, but then I came into the corner, went on the kerb and hit the loose manhole cover which brought out the Safety Car. However the damage had been done, and eventually I was forced to crawl back into the pits with an engine failure. Not the way I would have liked to end the season but things happen. I'm sure that we will come back stronger next year. Thanks to the team on and off track who have made me feel right at home. Coming so close to the titles this year has only made us more determined so bring on 2006."
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."