25.05.2004 “It was an incident that it is difficult to come to terms with but it’s a part of racing,” Jean Todt reflects on Michael Schumacher's accident at Monaco

Disappointment was the word on the lips of Ferrari boss Jean Todt after the 78 lap Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. There was disappointment for Todt when first placed Michael Schumacher retired, and it was the word he used to describe his driver’s mood, and that of the team.

“What did you expect?” asked Todt who went on to describe the incident that put Schumacher out of third place on lap 46 of the 78 lap race, and ended his record-equalling run of wins. “When Michael was in the course of preparing his car for the re-start when the Safety Car would pull into the pits, he was hit by Montoya which caused him to go into a slide and damage his front wing, so unfortunately he had to retire.

“It’s something that happens when the safety car is on the track, that the drivers prepare their cars for when the race is re-started. It was during this preparation that the accident took place.

“It was an incident that it is difficult to come to terms with but it’s a part of racing,” continued Todt. “On one the one hand, we have had an absolutely sensational start to the season and we hoped that would continue with the Monaco Grand Prix but due to a number of incidents, that wasn’t possible. So now we must analyse the various different events which took place in order to tackle the next Grand Prix in one week’s time, the European Grand Prix, in the best possible way to try to resume our preferred programme which means winning races.”

Todt, however, said he had still been optimistic of his team’s performance, up until the accident. “Renault were stronger because they won, but we were still in a position to compete. They have a very good car, good balance, probably a very good package for the Monte Carlo race. We felt that we would probably be a bit quicker during the race today, but with the track, with the temperature, with the rubber covering the rack more and more, probably we were not as quick as we were expecting.

“It’s a special circuit but I think we had a strategy which would allow us to be competitive. Unfortunately, the incidents in the race didn’t allow us to demonstrate that strategy so Monte Carlo wasn’t the best Grand Prix of the season for Ferrari, in spite of Rubens Barrichello’s third place.”

Todt refused to blame the special features of Monaco for Schumacher’s incident. “We know that Monte Carlo is a very specific circuit and I think we do accept it. Monte Carlo creates a big fascination, it’s really part of the assets of motor racing, of Formula One, and definitely that’s a positive part. There are some negative aspects and it’s more complicated than any other circuit. Saying that, the organisers deserve a big thank you because they did a fantastic job with the new pit lane, with the garages and all that. They are trying hard.''

Todt also paid tribute to Jarno Trulli, who won the 78 lap for Renault. “He deserved his win because he qualified well, drove a perfect race and won it. So one can only congratulate him, it’s just reward for a very good driver. He’s a very quick driver, very talented, low profile and he completely deserves his success over the weekend. He has been quick from the beginning, from yesterday. He did a very strong qualifying lap time so he deserves his success. I certainly think we can say that Renault have had a remarkable start to the season. They have finished all their races with Trulli, they had to retire with Alonso due to going off the circuit, so it means they have a competitive and reliable car.”