Sunday, May 16, 2010

Schumacher confident Alonso overtake was officially permitted

Mercedes Driver Michael Schumacher is sure that his Final-lap overtake on Fernando Alonso was not against the rules in Monaco GP. With the Safety Car having been on-track for the last three laps, due to a scary crash between Jarno Trulli and Chandhok’s, the German overtakes the Massa at the entrance to the last corner of the race.


Formerly, drivers were not able to pass after the Safety Car pulled in awaiting the start/finish line, importance last-lap Safety Cars sure the same results as at what time the final lap began.



But, new-for-2010 rules state that passes are allowable after the final Safety Car line, situated before the pit lane entry and, in Monaco's case, at the exit of La Rascasse corner. With Alonso sixth, the Ferrari driver curved into the last curve to find Schumacher's Mercedes overtaking on the inner line, having drawn beside the Ferrari but with no passing before crossing the Safety Car line.


"I think I'm sixth, I got the message 'Track Clear'," Schumacher explained to Germany's RTL. "That means the Safety Car is gone, the accident zone was clear, so I thought I could go.


"Damon Hill is the steward here…that's going to be interesting!"

Images © Sutton Images