Planet-F1

Sutil downplays Alonso incident

Friday 4th April 2008

Adrian Sutil has downplayed his minor collision with Fernando Alonso in Friday's second practice for the Bahrain GP.

Coming down pit lane behind Sutil, Alonso appeared to brake too late and although he tried to avoid the Force India car he was unable too.

The nudge put both drivers into a spin, although thankfully they did not connect again nor did their cars suffer any apparent damage.

And while some drivers have proven in the past to be a bit hot-headed about any such incidents, Sutil has downplayed it.

"The morning session was not great as the harder tyre was very hard and with the green track conditions it was difficult to get a balance," said the German who finished Practice Two in 19th place

"In the afternoon it was much better with the softer tyre and for the first time I could feel a real difference between the two compounds, which was a definite improvement.

"I am quite happy as now we know we can work with the tyres, we can improve tomorrow.

"It was a shame in the last corner that there was that incident with Alonso, but it happens. It seemed he lost a bit of downforce under braking and locked up the rear but it wasn't really a problem," added Sutil, 19th quickest today.