Ferrari defend Kimi after altercation

Wednesday 9th July 2008

Ferrari have defended Kimi Raikkonen after he pushed a photographer to the ground prior to the start of the British Grand Prix.

Raikkonen was branded "rude" and "arrogant" by veteran Formula One photographer Paul-Henri Cahier after their altercation on the Silverstone grid.

Ferrari have hit back though, saying the Finn's behaviour is 'understandable' because Cahier was being 'intrusive'.

"The photographer's behaviour was too intrusive as he put his feet on Kimi's stuff despite Kimi's physio warning," Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni told Autosport. "There is video evidence and witnesses which can confirm it.

"Kimi's reaction was understandable, considering how important the minutes before the start of a race are for a driver. He did not push Cahier too hard: the photographer fell down because he was in an unbalanced position.

"We believe it was an unfortunate circumstance."

Cahier claimed in a statement that he didn't cross into Raikkonen's personal space.

"There never was any contact between the two men, nor did Paul-Henri ever touch Kimi's equipment," the statement said. "The distance at which Paul-Henri Cahier was taking a picture, although close, was completely standard."

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