Rosberg shines, Schumacher hopes for better luck
AFP
Monte Carlo, May 28, 2012
First Published: 15:54 IST(28/5/2012)
Last Updated: 15:56 IST(28/5/2012)
Michael Schumacher was forced to retire from the Monaco GP following a fuel pump problem. It was the German's thrid mechanical issue related retirement and his fourth of the season. (AFP Photo)
Rosberg - the German-born son of former Finnish world champion Keke - came home second after
a near-flawless run from second on the grid behind victorious Australian Mark Webber of Red Bull.
But the luckless Schumacher, who was fastest in Saturday's qualifying but lost pole due to a pre-race grid penalty of five places carried forward from Spain, was forced to retire with fuel pump problems.
Schumacher said: "What can I say? It was simply a pity to end the race in this way. In any case, the fuel pressure problem had nothing to do with the incident at the start.
"But it made it doubly disappointing because I had secretly been hoping for a podium finish today. I will take the boost from the high points of this weekend with me to Canada. The track should suit us and I'm hoping to have a normal, clean race."
Rosberg said: "It's a fantastic feeling to be on the podium at my home race in Monaco in front of all my family and friends. The team have done a really good job this weekend to get the car working so well.
"Although we thought this track would suit our car, it's been better than we expected."
Team chief Ross Brawn said: "I think we made the right calls, but nothing opened up for us. It was a race that was about managing gaps and finding the right windows in the traffic.
"The team did a great job on that. As for Michael, he was hit on the run to the opening corner which cost him positions, but was very quick when a fuel pressure problem started to slow him later in the race.
"We tried to continue but it was costing him too much time, dropped him out of the points and forced us to retire the car.
"It was very disappointing because he put in a great performance this weekend and he was still on course to score useful points.
"We need to make sure we eliminate the problems for him, starting in Canada."
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