02.07.2006 @ 23:08:56

US GP - McLaren Mercedes - Race
McLaren Mercedes drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya both failed to finish today's United States Grand Prix after an incident in the second corner of the opening lap which is under investigation by the race Stewards.
It appeared that Montoya ran into the back of Raikkonen triggering a multi-car accident that would eliminate both of the McLaren drivers as well as Jenson Button and Nick Heidfeld.

Kimi Raikkonen
"I made a really good start and was quick off the line. However things got messy at the second corner and Juan Pablo hit me from behind and that was the end of the race. There is no point in blaming anyone as these sort of things happen in racing and especially when you are not at the front. As a team we will now get over the disappointment of today's result and focus on the next race."

Juan Pablo Montoya
"When you start so far back you have to race hard to make up places. Unfortunately it was pretty tight at the start and as everybody braked for the second corner I was being squeezed by one of the Hondas and regrettably I hit Kimi. I'm obviously really upset for the team who have worked so hard the whole weekend as having both cars out on the opening lap is disastrous."

Ron Dennis
"We have looked at our data and the footage from various cameras and it's clear that as is often the case with accidents several things happened in close sequence. Heidfeld heavily squeezed Button, who squeezed Juan Pablo. Prior to those cars touching Juan Pablo ran into the back of Kimi who was making every effort to keep out of trouble. Inevitably the team feels intense frustration and disappointment when its cars are eliminated as a result of touching each other. However this was a racing incident and should be treated as such."

Norbert Haug
"To lose both cars at the second corner is obviously a nightmare. Sorry to all the spectators and team members, we all would have loved to contribute to a good race. We will be testing next week in Jerez in Spain to get focused for the French Grand Prix."
Source McLaren Mercedes