Wurz helpless in first-lap shunt

[davewilson]

Alex Wurz admitted he could do nothing about the crash that ended his miserable Spanish Grand Prix weekend on lap one on Sunday.

The Austrian was looking to move up the field from 18th on the grid after enduring a torrid qualifying session, but his race ended after just 10 corners when he hit the back of Ralf Schumacher’s Toyota.

Wurz shattered his front suspension on the exit of turn 10 after the German driver had to brake while caught up in a scrap with a Super Aguri and a Renault.

“I had a good start, overtook a few guys, and was lined up behind Ralf,” he told ITV Sport’s     Louise Goodman.

“It was very close racing and I think he had to lift to avoid the guy in front of him.

“For me it happened too quick, I had zero chance to react and I ended up hitting him from behind, so it’s a short end to my race."

The contact forced Schumacher in to a precautionary pit-stop and thereafter was running at a decent pace until he had to pull out when his TF107's nose worked loose.

"The start itself was okay and I made up a couple of places," he said.

"It was a bit messy but from where I was on the grid that is to be expected.

"There was a bit of chaos at turn 10 when I was hit from behind but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"I had to pit to check for damage but we were able to continue.

From there the race was quite good and at least we were able to keep up a strong pace.

"Unfortunately the nose then worked loose and I had to retire."