Häkkinen does not agree with penalty

Mika Häkkinen got fined for his part in the Spanish chaos. In the seventh lap of the race, the Finnish driver made an overenthousiastic move on race leader Martin Tomczyk. The contact that followed caused the retirement for both drivers. It was one of the collisions that made Audi decide to withdraw all remaining cars from the race.

Häkkinen was fined with 20,000 euro’s for the accident and a 10 place grid penalty for the race at Hockenheim. At first the HWA announced they would file protest against the decision of the race officials. Eventually they decided not to.

However, just before the race at Hockenheim, Mika Häkkinen says he doesn’t agree with the decision of the race officials at all. “I consider inappropriate the fine of 20,000 Euro for the race accident with Martin Tomczyk in Barcelona”, the Fin said. “But despite my penalty, which will put me down the grid by 10 places, I want to demonstrate also in Hockenheim how good our team performs.”

Häkkinen continues with saying he has had a lot of ups and downs this season. “With two race wins and two pole positions, my personal balance of this season is better than my overall ranking. However, I look ahead relaxed; during my Formula 1 career with 162 Grands Prix and in 29 DTM races I never had the reputation of an unfair driver and it will remain like it is.”