RBS race report
Monte Carlo, Monaco - 25/5/2008
Challenging weather conditions produced the most dramatic race of the season in Monaco as the damp streets of Monte Carlo claimed numerous victims in the 76-lap Grand Prix.
Monte Carlo, Monaco - 25/5/2008
Challenging weather conditions produced the most dramatic race of the season in Monaco as the damp streets of Monte Carlo claimed numerous victims in the 76-lap Grand Prix.
Kazuki Nakajima drove a mature race in difficult circumstances to collect two points for seventh place, but team-mate Nico Rosberg crashed out.
Despite fighting his way back through the field following two collisions in the opening stages, a third eventually put an end to his efforts 18 laps before the chequered flag. As a precaution, Nico was taken to hospital for routine checks.
The race was won by Lewis Hamilton, who realised a boyhood dream by claiming victory ahead of BMW's Robert Kubica and Ferrari's Felipe Massa.
It was the McLaren driver's sixth win in 23 starts, achieved despite an early collision with the barriers which punctured a rear tyre. However, the incident worked in his favour as his team refuelled his car at the tyre change, enabling him to delay his final pit stop and build a decisive lead.
Kazuki said the conditions had been particularly challenging. "It was really a difficult race, especially at the beginning when the track was very wet," he said. "I couldn't see anything in front of me, or at the rear, so I just tried to keep the car on track.
"I think we had some luck with the weather and the track conditions as I was on a one-stop strategy and it really worked well for me. It was a shame to have a problem in my pit-stop, but I still finished in the points so I am quite happy."
Technical Director Sam Michael was full of praise for Kazuki on his Monaco debut, but admitted that the positive qualifying display of both Williams drivers had promised much more.
"It was good to get two points," he said "but not a satisfactory race as we should have scored much more. But there are probably plenty of teams saying that.
"Kazuki drove well and didn't make any mistakes. He would have finished higher up the order but we had a problem with a wheel nut on his final pit-stop and he lost places as a result. It was a good effort for his first time around Monaco in a Formula One car.
"Nico made a couple of pit-stops for damaged front wings, and then had a crash on the entry to the swimming pool. He has been very fast around here all weekend, so he will be really frustrated to come away with nothing.
"We'll now look forward to a better result in Canada."
Williams team principal Frank Williams, already the longest-serving entrant in Formula One history, clocked up his 600th Grand Prix in Monaco.
"As most people would expect, reaching 600 Grands Prix means very little to me," said Frank. "I do have to admit, however, that there have been some brilliant moments over the 40 years that I've been racing, and there have also been some moments of great sadness. Most of the time it has been a most pleasurable experience. If I was 40 years younger, I would still choose the same path towards where I find myself today."
