Highlights

Schumacher defends himself against critics

(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-29 09:19

MONTE CARLO, Monaco - Michael Schumacher defended himself against critics who think he intentionally stopped his car during qualifying to slow other cars and win the pole position.

After setting the fastest lap, Schumacher appeared to brake too hard and stalled on the final turn. Others - including Monaco winner Fernando Alonso _ were behind him trying to clock a quicker lap but had to slow to avoid the car of the seven-time series champion.

"Who thinks I did it on purpose? To those people I can only say 'never'," Schumacher said. "It was never my intention to ruin Alonso's (lap)."

Stewards ruled Schumacher stopped intentionally and took away his qualifying time. Instead, Schumacher started from the pit lane and came in fifth in the race, almost a lap behind Alonso although Schumacher set the fastest lap of the race.

"We had a hard race but still not really happy with happened yesterday and the result of yesterday evening."

"For us this decision has been very hard," Schumacher said.

Schumacher had been on a roll. He had won twice and took second in the last three races. In the first three he was second, sixth and crashed out.

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MICHELIN REMEMBERED: The death of Michelin's company head, Edouard Michelin, who died Friday in a boat accident took at toll at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Team members wore black armbands Saturday and Sunday.

"This has been a very emotional event for everyone at Michelin,"' said Nick Shorrock, Michelin's Formula One director. "We have been very touched by the Formula One community's thoughtfulness throughout the weekend."

Tributes came from all over _ from Bernie Ecclestone, Formula's One's commercial head, to Michelin's tire rival, Bridgestone.