So it just ended very, very sadly. Everybody was close to crying because it is just such a bad situation. Kimi had problems and crashed into my rear and destroyed my race. All the work we did in the race was for nothing in the end.
Q. Did Kimi talk to you about what happened?
AS: He apologised, so he is a great sportsman. He is a very good driver and I have to accept it. It was not done on purpose and it can happen to everybody. I have to live with it and just go on to the next race.
Q. Was it just a racing accident?
AS: Yes, it was just a racing accident. Absolutely. It was not like he was braking too late and crashing into my car. He lost the car, the conditions were very tricky so we cannot say he made a mistake. He just lost the car.
Q. What were you thinking before the accident? That you were going to be in the points?
AS: Exactly. I just thought to myself that there were seven minutes to go - just bring it home and take these points. I thought it was close to happening. But it didn't.
Q. After the disappointment of the last few races, this must give you some encouragement though?
AS: Yes. Still, it was a big boost and a very good boost for me. I started the season with some problems. The last races went better and better, especially here in Monaco – my favourite track. Everyone was perfect. Qualifying was not that great but better than the last races – and the race was just fantastic.
Q. Did you think when you drove the car around to the pits that you might be able to continue?
AS: No, the rear suspension was broken – so there was no chance to go on. After the chicane, after he hit me, I thought I could go on. But then suddenly the rear suspension was broken and I had to try and get the car back to the pits.
Q. What was the feeling when you got back there and it was over?
AS: It was just incredible. And you cannot believe it. You think it is just a bad dream that you are in – but it is reality and it really hurts.
Q. What will you do tonight?
AS: I don't know yet. I have to go in my room and think about everything. I am still disappointed.
Q. Did you realise that Kimi Raikkonen was closing in on you?
AS: On the braking, you are more concentrated to get the corner. The braking was difficult for everybody – the tyres were cold and the car felt quite oversteery on the braking. In the end, I saw suddenly a red mirror and it was too late. He crashed into me as I had no chance to go anywhere else.
Q. Were you scared?
AS: During this incident? Well it was a surprise really because when I turned into the corner I didn't expect he would hit me. I saw something red and thought it was normal. But he was too fast and he crashed into me.
Q. Monte Carlo seems to be a good track for you?
AS: Yes. I was first in free practice last year. I have good memories here, and I still have the F3 record here when I drove with Lewis in 2005. It is one of my favourite tracks, especially in the rain. It is just a driving circuit here, you can show your potential even with a slower car. That was the case today and I think we did quite well.
Q. Do you think there is more chance of points in the future?
AS: These were special conditions. I think it will be very difficult again in normal conditions in the dry – we don't have a chance at the moment and we need to find some updates to improve the car. That is where we have to concentrate on. Just try to forget this race. There were many positive things, go on with our work and try to get to the front.
Q. Is it a boost to your confidence?
AS: For sure, yeah. This was an amazing race for myself and it was a big boost. It was like last year, but this one was even better. I had so many laps, I was racing other cars and doing fastest laps. It was one of my best races.
Q. Do you take some heart from the fact that the crowd were applauding you when you got back to the paddock?
AS: Yeah. It is nice. I think my fan club was here! They were very happy about it, so it is nice. In this situation you need the fans, you need the help to survive and to come up again. I think our team is strong, we are holding together and it is confident.
Q. Will it be easy to move on from this?
AS: I have to go on. I have no other choice. For sure in the next week I will think about, and will be very sad about it. I have to try and forget it and take my next chance.
Q. Do you think you could have kept Kimi behind you?
AS: Yes, I think so. Actually, my pace in the dry was quite competitive and there was just a dry line. So you could not go side-by-side. If you try to overtake, you go on the wet and you lose the car. I think we would have brought it home for sure – there were only seven minutes, five laps to go.
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