Ralf Schumacher apologises to team

Date published : 08 Jul 2010 - 10:32:07

Ralf Schumacher has apologised to his HWA-Mercedes team for his jump start from pole position at the Norisring on Sunday.The six-time grand prix winner took his maiden pole position at the weekend, and led the early laps comfortably from eventual winner Jamie Green.However, he was forced to serve a drive-through penalty after just seven laps for moving before the red lights went out."I'm awfully sorry for my team that we were not able to show how strong our car was," said Schumacher. "It was my mistake."I have no problem if the team does a mistake, but I hate it when I do. The pace was there, and that¹s even more difficult for me."The German explained that he did not actually gain from his start, as he had stopped the car again by the time the lights went out."I was looking for the clutch's biting point and the car moved while the light was still red," he added. "It didn't help me on the start because I moved, stopped, and then the race started."But under the rules, that is a jump start. It's very disappointing. The car was good here, and Norisring seems to suit me for whatever reason."My speed was good ­ I still set the fastest lap. I simply hope we can carry this form into the rest of the season."