Schumacher celebrates 'strange' success
Michael Schumacher admitted to “mixed” feelings after winning a bizarre United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis.
The world champion scored his first win of the season but his celebrations were drowned out by jeers and cat-calls on the podium after safety concerns saw 14 drivers pull into the pits before the race even started.
Schumacher admitted his sadness at the day’s events but was nevertheless delighted to claim 10 points and move closer to world championship leader Fernando Alonso after winning from team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
He said: “Naturally my feeling are very mixed. It was very strange to see everyone going into the pits.
“Nevertheless, after that Rubens and myself had a race going. I think we had a very good car to fight for the victory anyway. We were very strong in free practice, always pretty happy on fuel and the tyre and car was looking very reasonable.
“So it is sad, particularly for all the supporters that we were not able to fight for victory under normal circumstances.
“America has always been a special grand prix for us. Certainly this time it was a very unique grand prix but it was not in our hands. There is nothing we could have done.”
The mass withdrawal promoted Minardi and Jordan into an unlikely fight for a podium finish.
Minardi have never stood on the podium and they were to miss out again, with Tiago Montiero clinching third for Jordan.
The Portuguese driver was jubilant despite the unusual circumstances and felt the result was just reward for Jordan’s difficult scrap at the back of the field this season.
“The fact that there was not a lot of people doesn’t make a lot of difference for us at the back,” he said. “You need to be there, so you still have to concentrate and push as hard as you can.
“I was still fighting with Narain Karthikeyan and with Christijan Albers so I had to concentrate and not make mistakes.
“It is sad what happened, it is a mixed feeling day, but Bridgestone did a great job, they have good tyres, and it was just an amazing day for us.
“I need to enjoy the day, thank the whole team. They did an amazing job and it was a great feeling to see their faces, their pleasure and happiness.
“I thank them all for giving me such a reliable car. Nine races in a row, nine finishes, I am over the moon.”
