That Spa Accident... - Ferrari Happenings

That Spa Accident...
1.9.98

Ferrari SpA have released the following statement:

On Spa-Francorchamps Accident
Maranello, 1st September 1998

After some disconcerting interpretations of the dangerous accident with David Coulthard's McLaren, which led to the elimination of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari from the Belgian GP, Ferrari has once again examined all the various film and photographic evidence from the race, which shows unequivocally that:

For almost an entire lap, Coulthard ignored the blue flags and never allowed Schumacher to go by as required by the regulations, even though he had several opportunities to do so. (See photo page 12 of Autosprint No. 36.)

On several occasions Michael Schumacher moved off line to show Coulthard he was there, before maintaining the correct gap between them, as former F1 driver Ivan Capelli pointed out in his race commentary, live on RAI.

Coulthard's sudden slowing down, while on the racing line was premature and unexpected. Given the poor visibility, the collision was inevitable, despite Schumacher making every effort to avoid it.

Ferrari will make no further statement about what happened and considers the incident closed. We now look forward to a return to a climate of clean and correct sporting rivalry.

Today, the team has been testing with Michael Schumacher at Fiorano and at Monza with Eddie Irvine. In the last few hours we have seen further proof of the great affection and passion of our tifosi and this has helped to unite the team even more along with its drivers. Ferrari will do all it can to put on a good show in front of its fans, whom we are certain will put on another demonstration of enthusiasm, sporting spirit and courtesy.

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