Massa's move on Hamilton at the start changed the complexion of the race, but Dennis reckons Lewis was still poised to win the race before his tire puncture. (LAT photo) ยป More Photos
Q: Do you feel that things are going your team’s way at the moment?
“I think we’re strong and we have the most competitive car. Of course Felipe was doing a good job, but we had to shadow him in the first part of the race in order that we ensured we stopped after him, in order that we could go longer, so that we were able to command the latter part of the second stint. Obviously the puncture really put paid to that strategy, but overall I think we would have got the lead, and that was our strategy once we’d lost the initiative on the first corner.
“People will perhaps remember very well the engine failure that Felipe had, but they’ll forget the puncture. The reality is if Lewis hadn’t got the puncture, we would have been in a strong position to win the race. All of these incidents are part of motor racing. Whether they’re in a race that decides the World Championship or a race at the beginning of the season, I constantly remind people that it’s the sum of the total. There’s going to be unreliability through the season, and hopefully we’ll have less than everybody else.”
Q: Do you think this victory will give Heikki that extra bit of confidence?
“Every step is a step in the right direction. Of course he’s going to feel better about winning a race than not finishing, so obviously it’s going to help. He’s a very focused individual. He can be better. I think the statistic is it took Mika Hakkinen 75 races to win his first, and this is I think Heikki’s 28th race. He’s got plenty of time to polish his skills, so so far, so good.”
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Q: Is there something about driving style or the way he uses tires that he’s been struggling for grip in some races?
“Not really. I think it’s important after any race the driver has an understanding of where he could have been stronger. At the moment we’re both still in a learning curve, and it’s only his second year of F1. I think his first year was quite demotivating at times. So hopefully some of the damage that he suffered last year, both mentally and physically, we’re well on the road to repairing. He’s getting better and better in his physical condition, and his mindset’s very determined. It’s going to see him get better and better.”
Q: We’ve seen races where Lewis has had a problem and he’s made a mistake trying to catch up. Was it important he got some solid points today?
“We never give up, that’s the most important thing – and he doesn’t. We tried to push hard after that early stop to try and ensure we jumped as many cars on their stops as possible, but our predictions were we could have got up to fourth, but it wasn’t to be.”
Q: Any thoughts on Valencia?
“Our read on the circuit is that it will play to our strengths, so we’re looking forward to being there. Of course, we’re all tired at this time of the year. I think all of us will enjoy the break. I think at the end of the day, leading the drivers’ championship still, closing the gap on Ferrari a little bit [in constructor’s points –Ed.], moving ahead of BMW is not a bad day’s work.”
