July 16, 2006

Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Räikkönen has finished the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in second place. Starting from pole position the Finn led the opening stages from Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) behind who he eventually finished at the end of the race. Pedro de la Rosa retired with engine failure on the 21st lap. Team McLaren Mercedes is third in the Constructors' Championship with 97 points. Kimi is fifth in the drivers' championship with 57 points, equal with Giancarlo Fisichella. Juan Pablo Montoya is seventh with 26 points and Pedro 11th on 14 points. Fernando Alonso leads the table on 108 points.

The start: Kimi started from the 11th pole position of his career and the third pole of the last four races. He won the sprint race down to the first chicane ahead of Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) who completed the opening lap in second place with Kimi leading by one second. Pedro started from seventh position, lost one place and was eighth at the end of the first lap.

The race: Kimi drove the fastest race lap on lap 13 (1m22.559s). Pedro got stuck behind Nick Heidfeld's BMW Sauber. On lap 14, the Spaniard came in for his first stop in 10.1sec and resumed 16th. Kimi followed him one lap later (8.9sec) and resumed seventh. After Michael Schumacher's pit stop on lap 17, Kimi was 1.3sec behind the Ferrari driver. On lap 21, Pedro retired on the exit of the Ascari chicane due to an engine failure, the cause of which is still being investigated. Two laps later, Michael was 2.3sec ahead of Kimi. The Finn came in for his second planned stop on lap 38 (5.9sec) and remained in second position to the chequered flag. After 53 laps, he was 8.046 sec behind winner Michael Schumacher.

Comments

Kimi Räikkönen: “I’m happy with my second place here in Monza. All in all this was a good weekend for us, and the team has done a fantastic job. We have improved our starting system, which helped me a lot on the run to the first corner. And I was able to make a good start. I was controlling the race until my first pit stop and the fact that Michael was able to stay out for one more lap than me eventually decided the outcome of the race.”

Pedro de la Rosa: "I lost a place at the start to slot into eighth. After that I was stuck behind cars, so I never really found out how quick I could have been. My first pit stop went as planned. We put a lot of fuel in the car to ensure a long second stint, which was aimed to get me in clean air at the end. However all of sudden the engine failed, I had to stop the car and that was the end of the race for me. It is a pity as our package was very competitive today."

Ron Dennis, Team Principal: “A good drive from Kimi. A single lap of more fuel in the first stint could have turned second into a possible victory – but that’s racing. Pedro suffered a rare engine failure, which meant an early end to his race. The result shows that the team’s relentless efforts and disciplined approach throughout this weekend led to a positive result. Irrespective of the announcement of Kimi's future – and of course we wish him all the best – the entire team will continue to focus on the balance of the season where race wins are still possible as illustrated by today's result.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Second position, pole position, fastest lap and finishing as best Michelin team is a good job by the team and Kimi. We have been close to Michael Schumacher and not too much was missing to win today. Congratulations to Michael. For me it is sad to learn that he will retire after this season. With his retirement an era of Formula One racing ends. As already stated in our separate press release we all wish Kimi who will leave us at the end of the year all the best. Unfortunately Pedro suffered an engine failure, the cause of which is currently investigated. We will now work hard before the last three overseas races in order to do one better than today.”