Schumacher reprimanded for Perez shunt

Michael Schumacher: "What happened was what I would call a misunderstanding between Sergio Perez and myself" © Sutton Images

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Michael Schumacher has received a reprimand for his part in the accident that ended his Singapore Grand Prix.

Schumacher was attempting to pass Sergio Perez on lap 28 when he clipped the rear of the Sauber and flew up into the air. Unable to brake, his Mercedes buried itself into the barriers and the safety car was brought out to clear the debris.

"It was a very unfortunate ending to my race in Singapore tonight and obviously I am a bit disappointed," Schumacher said. "What happened was what I would call a misunderstanding between Sergio Perez and myself. He was about to go inside and lifted, and I was not expecting him to do that so early, and therefore hit him.

"It's probably one of those race incidents which look more impressive from outside than from inside, as I am totally ok and my impact in the end was not too heavy. It was a pity because my car and the tyres worked well, and therefore the pace was very good. I will look ahead to the next races and hope to have better endings there."

The stewards reviewed the incident after the race and issued Schumacher with a reprimand but no penalty. Perez went on to finish tenth but had to pit for a set of tyres after suffering a puncture during the contact.

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