Schumacher: Kobayashi collision 'my fault'

Michael Schumacher has said fourth or fifth probably wasn't 'out of the question today' in the F1 2011 British Grand Prix, although in the end he admitted it was his own error that saw him miss out.

Schumacher made a good start from 13th on the grid in his Mercedes GP W02 and moved up to be running in the top-ten in the early stages. However a collision with the Sauber Kamui Kobayashi on lap nine ended up compromising his afternoon and not only did he have to pit for a new nose, but he was also handed a 10-second stop-go penalty.

Although he was somewhat bemused by that punishment at the end - and felt a drive-through would have been more appropriate - he conceded the stewards were right to punish him after he 'underestimated' the effect of the DRS.

Despite that though, he remains optimistic and after showing good pace and eventually fighting his way back up from 17th to claim ninth and two points at the 'flag, he believes the efforts of the Brackley-based outfit are finally starting to pay-off.

"My result today is a bit of a shame, and of course I am not happy about it," Schumacher reflected. "I think fifth or even fourth place would not have been out of question today thanks to the superb job the guys back in Brackley and Brixworth have done.

"I would so much have wished to bring them some decent points this evening when we go back to the factory for a BBQ with their families. But unfortunately, and due to my fault, I cannot.

"Having used DRS for the first time in the race, I was arriving at the corner with over-run. Underestimating the effect, my braking was not good and this is how the collision happened.

"It was right to get a penalty but why it had to be a stop-go, and not a drive-through penalty, I would like to understand better as I felt it was too hard.

"Anyway, the good thing is that step-by-step, the hard work of our team is paying off more and more, and this is a good feeling heading towards our next home race," he concluded.