Michael Schumacher explains cause of retirement at 2012 Australian Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
Mercedes AMG driver, Michael Schumacher has clarified that he lost the drive during the early stages of the 2012 Australian Grand Prix which forced him getting off the track and ultimately into the retirement.
The seven-time world champion, Schumacher was driving at the third place when he was faced with the pressure of the defending champion, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing. Vettel ran wide on turn one behind Schumacher in lap 10 and in the very next lap,
Schumacher too, ran wide at the same corner after he lost his car’s gearbox.
Furthermore, Schumacher expressed that he ran wide to make sure that car does not twirl.
“It was an unfortunate end to my race when I lost drive going into turn one,” Schumacher said. “I was trying different gears and occasionally the drive came back, but in the end, I had to go onto the grass to avoid the risk of the car being forced into a
spin. It was especially unfortunate as we have not had this problem during the winter tests and were very reliable. This is why I am not concerned, as I know things like this happen in racing, and our reliability is not in question.”
After a struggling 2011 Formula 1 season, the Brackley-based team made a huge comeback with some great improvements and substantial preparations during this year’s pre-season testing programme.
Additionally, the record championship holder topped the timesheets at the second free practice session on Friday before the first GP.
It would be very interesting to know that there have been many discussions regarding the design of this year’s Mercedes car W03 which has been considered as one of most competent designs amongst the rivals.
Schumacher believed that he could have a good race at the season opener. Nevertheless, he said that he was positive about the car’s performance at the next race weekend in Malaysia.
In addition, he said that the car affirmed their feeling which was obviously a big step forward and they could make essential improvements for the season ahead.
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