20/07/2012
NEWS STORY
Mat Coch writes:
A late spin from Michael Schumacher forced the red flag to be shown, ending the second free practice session ahead of Sunday's German Prix.
In difficult wet conditions, which had seen many drivers opt to stay in the garage early as the rain fell heavily, Schumacher was one of a number of drivers to be caught out. The German’s excursion by far the most eventful.
Entering the stadium section the seven-time champion missed the apex, though he managed to keep the car on the track. The circuit however was still wet offline, and the German soon found himself sliding towards the barrier on the inside of the fast right hander.
“I was on the radio, I was doing things on the steering wheel and just not focussed properly,” admitted the German. “Cosmetically it looks like almost all four corners touched on the barrier.”
Joining Michael in heading off track late in the session was Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian had headed out on track on intermediate tyres and missed his braking marker, sliding off the track at the Sachs Kurve.
With the grass wet his Toro Rosso was stranded, the Australian forced to sit out the closing minutes of the session. No damage was done to the car, though Ricciardo later sheepishly confessed he was only circulating in order to give his team some pit stop practice.
Check out our Friday gallery, here.