Vettel 'sorry' for collision

Young German admits that Kubica was the quicker driver

Last updated: 29th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Vettel 'sorry' for collision

Vettel: Collision

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An apologetic Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he should have allowed Robert Kubica through into second place late in the Australian Grand Prix.

The pair collided when the Pole attempted to pass his German rival around the outside of turn two at Albert Park less than three laps from the chequered flag.

The Red Bull driver hit the wall before his BMW Sauber rival did the same moments later.

However, Vettel conceded that, with Kubica looking the faster driver at that stage on the more suitable prime tyre, "maybe I should have said let him go".

"We were in second and a strong position, but then, a couple of laps from the end, I had a stupid racing accident with Robert (Kubica)," he explained.

"At the time I turned in I was ahead, but I couldn't keep up speed in the corner and Robert was on a harder tyre, so was much quicker.

"At the time we collided he was in front, but I had nowhere to go, I couldn't stop the car, or turn to the right and my tyres were gone.

"It's a shame as it meant the end of the race for both of us. Should I have let him go? You always want to fight. Maybe I should have said let him go and bring third back home, but that's life.

"I tried to defend and, up to the mid-corner, I had reason, but then I had no grip to avoid a collision."

Working hard

Although he was "sorry" after running strongly behind eventual winner Jenson Button for most of the race, Vettel said he believed the team have every reason to be happy with their performance.

"I'm sorry to the team and also to Robert, as it didn't just mean the end of my race, but also his," he added.

"The team did a good job, we were working very hard over the winter and the car seems to be very good. We had good pace today, so overall we have a reason to smile."

Nevertheless, Vettel's subsequent decision to try and reach the pits on three wheels resulted in both a 10-place grid penalty for next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix and a $50,000 fine.

Kubica said Vettel's mistake had not only cost him a place on the podium but also the chance to try and catch Button.

"I had a chance to win this race," he said. "I think Sebastian was a bit too optimistic.

"Had this been the last corner okay, but there were still three laps to go and he really had no chance to defend his position because I was so much quicker."

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