Pizzonia blames 'invisible' Coulthard.
Inevitably, the start-line incident involving both Williams-BMW drivers and Red Bull Racing's David Coulthard at the Brazilian Grand Prix led to a difference of opinion when it came to apportioning blame.
While Mark Webber was prepared to accept the domino effect that ruined his afternoon as the result of a racing incident, Williams team-mate Antonio Pizzonia was more out-spoken, perhaps aware that an early exit would hamper his chances of securing a full-time ride with the Grove team next season.
Inevitably, the start-line incident involving both Williams-BMW drivers and Red Bull Racing's David Coulthard at the Brazilian Grand Prix led to a difference of opinion when it came to apportioning blame.
While Mark Webber was prepared to accept the domino effect that ruined his afternoon as the result of a racing incident, Williams team-mate Antonio Pizzonia was more out-spoken, perhaps aware that an early exit would hamper his chances of securing a full-time ride with the Grove team next season.
"I am very disappointed for sure," the Brazilian said, his home grand prix over before the first corner, "My car was in a straight line and I was on full power - I still hadn't started braking - when I just felt a sudden impact from behind. When I watched the replay of the accident, I saw it was Coulthard, and I am very surprised he did this because he has many, many grands prix under his belt and is not someone who usually makes such mistakes."
DC, meanwhile, had an alternative view of the proceedings, claiming that Pizzonia was far from 'in a straight line' as the Brazilian had claimed.
"I made a good start and got my front wheels inside the two Williams," Coulthard explained, "As we approached the first corner, I was between the two cars and thought it was going to come down to what happened in the braking zone - but we never made it there.
"Antonio was moving over from right to left, trying to get a better position, but, as Mark was on the other side of me, there wasn't anywhere for me to move to. All the cars touched, Antonio spun in front of my car and, I think, also hit Mark. I lost my front right wheel and that was pretty much it.
"I'd be surprised if Antonio didn't know I was there, as I didn't make a dive under braking, but had gained position through acceleration from the start line. In that situation, everyone should maintain position. If the cars start to squeeze together, I can't make mine invisible!"
Pizzonia was already racing under a cloud, having been slapped with an $8000 fine for his part in Juan Montoya's retirement at the Belgian Grand Prix, and it remains to be what action, if any, the stewards take this time.