Video suggests Alonso gamesmanship
By Jonathan Noble
Sunday, August 6th 2006, 09:51 GMT

Video evidence of Michael Schumacher's red flag incident suggest that the seven times world champion was caught out by title rival Fernando Alonso, who may have deployed a bit of gamesmanship. Schumacher had two seconds added to his qualifying times for overtaking Robert Kubica and Alonso on the way into the pits after the red flag was brought out following Jenson Button's engine failure in Saturday's free practice session. There had been suggestions that Schumacher's penalty was also the result of him overtaking David Coulthard, but this was not the case. In their report on Saturday, the stewards made it clear that he was punished for overtaking just two cars - Kubica and Alonso.

Television coverage of practice had failed to pick up Schumacher overtaking Kubica and Alonso, and those involved had declined to explain in detail what happened. But Schumacher dropped a hint that all was not right when he repeatedly told reporters to look at the television pictures to understand why he had overtaken the two cars. He said: "It is a bit difficult to explain. I think it is much easier if people look at the video. You can see more and things explain themselves."

Indeed, on-board footage from Kubica's car suggests that Alonso may have conducted a bit of gamesmanship to catch Schumacher out. The footage shows Kubica driving around right behind Alonso's car as they brake for the penultimate corner - the last turn before the entry to the pits. Although it is not shown on the footage, Schumacher is believed to be closing up on the pair at this point. As Alonso passes the apex of the corner, the Spaniard does not get on the power as he normally would be expected to - and maintains a very slow pace. Kubica appears surprised at this behaviour and has to back off himself to avoid hitting the back of the Renault. With Alonso still losing speed and traveling very slowly, Schumacher is then seen to come around the outside of the pair and overtake them before heading into the pits.

Although there is no proof that Alonso acted deliberately to try and sucker Schumacher into overtaking him, Schumacher's comments suggest that he believes the Spaniard's behaviour was not straightforward. Nevertheless, both Ferrari and Schumacher readily admit that there was still no excuse for overtaking under the red flags. Schumacher said after the incident: "I have to blame myself too. I am responsible to a certain degree as well."