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David Coulthard hit out at Renault's Fernando Alonso over the incident that saw the McLaren driver crash out of the European Grand Prix here on Sunday. Coulthard was challenging Alonso for fourth place entering the closing stages of the 60-lap race, but crashed out at high-speed after the Spaniard appeared to brake early going into the chicane.
The McLaren driver was forced onto the grass to avoid a collision and then hurtled across the gravel trap and into retirement.
"He braked much earlier than he had on the previous laps and it was definitely questionable," said Coulthard. "It was very difficult for me to do anything else and it was a problem. I'd like to have another look at it and it'll be interesting to see exactly what the telemetry says. I was on a bit of a charge and I think I could have got past him. I think he's an inexperienced driver and this sort of incident shows how much he has to learn."
Alonso, however, refused to accept responsiblity for Coulthard's exit after being questioned by stewards after the race. The Renault driver, who held on to take fourth place despite being caught by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, insisted that any early braking was simply the result of technical problems on his car rather than a bid to upset Coulthard's challenge.
" The stewards wanted to know what happened," said Alonso. "I told them I was having a few problems and slowed down a bit earlier on that lap. But there were no serious problems with the tyres or the car. David got a bit too close to me I think."
Alonso was backed by Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, who added: "Alonso was a bit slower but it was nothing serious. Coulthard tried to pass him and got too near and he lost it. There was nothing wrong with Fernando's car. He drove a great race and we are very happy with the result."
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What do you guys think? I personally have to side with Coulthard more on this one. Although I think it was both drivers fault. Alonso shouldn't of breaked so early, but nowhere does it say he can't. DC said he had made a rookie mistake, but when he himself has raced for so long, you would think he would be able to make a better decision do to experience.
The McLaren driver was forced onto the grass to avoid a collision and then hurtled across the gravel trap and into retirement.
"He braked much earlier than he had on the previous laps and it was definitely questionable," said Coulthard. "It was very difficult for me to do anything else and it was a problem. I'd like to have another look at it and it'll be interesting to see exactly what the telemetry says. I was on a bit of a charge and I think I could have got past him. I think he's an inexperienced driver and this sort of incident shows how much he has to learn."
Alonso, however, refused to accept responsiblity for Coulthard's exit after being questioned by stewards after the race. The Renault driver, who held on to take fourth place despite being caught by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, insisted that any early braking was simply the result of technical problems on his car rather than a bid to upset Coulthard's challenge.
" The stewards wanted to know what happened," said Alonso. "I told them I was having a few problems and slowed down a bit earlier on that lap. But there were no serious problems with the tyres or the car. David got a bit too close to me I think."
Alonso was backed by Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, who added: "Alonso was a bit slower but it was nothing serious. Coulthard tried to pass him and got too near and he lost it. There was nothing wrong with Fernando's car. He drove a great race and we are very happy with the result."
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What do you guys think? I personally have to side with Coulthard more on this one. Although I think it was both drivers fault. Alonso shouldn't of breaked so early, but nowhere does it say he can't. DC said he had made a rookie mistake, but when he himself has raced for so long, you would think he would be able to make a better decision do to experience.
