Planet-F1

DC: Earlier contact caused suspension failure

Sunday 12th October 2008

David Coulthard has blamed contact with Nelson Piquet Jr and Seb Bourdais for his retirement from Sunday's Japanese GP.

The Scot retired on lap 1 of the grand prix when his suspension failed, sending him hurtling into the barriers in a heavy accident.

Coulthard, though, was unhurt in the shunt and climbed unaided from his wrecked RB4, later explaining that contact with two other drivers was the cause of his suspension failure.

"Into Turn One I was trying to go down the inside of (Sebastien) Bourdais," Coulthard told ITV.

"He naturally came back across towards the apex. (Nelson) Piquet, who was in front of us both, came a bit early on the brakes and I found myself between the two of them.

"There was a little bit of bumping and grinding as we went through the apex of Turn 1.

"And then as we accelerated out of Turn 2, whatever damage was done in previous corner has let go and I had a tank slapper which put me off into the barrier so I guess it was suspension rather than a tyre."

Coulthard has two grands prix remaining, China and Brazil, before he calls it quits on his Formula One career.