Lowe: 'The wrong day to not be able to fight for points'

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Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe rued a missed opportunity in Barcelona to score points for the Grove-based outfit and Felipe Massa.

A contact shortly after the start at Turn 2 between the Williams driver and Fernando Alonso sealed the Brazilian's fate, and with it the team's potential top-ten finish.

"It was tough day, particularly with the various incidents at the front, making it a bad day to not be up there in the points," said Paddy Lowe.

"Felipe had a fantastic start and gained several places, but unfortunately he came into contact with Fernando, which caused a front-right puncture.

"That ruined his race. His pace in clean air was very strong, he was matching Daniel (Ricciardo) lap-for-lap on his first stint. I think we had the potential to have a very good result."

Team Talk - Sunday in Barcelona

Massa was also aware of Sundays lost opportunity to increase his points tally.

" I’m so disappointed," said the 36-year-old veteran.

"We had a big opportunity to finish fourth today, which I think I could have done because we had good pace. It’s really painful because we lost so many points today as a team."

The team now sets its sight on Monaco, but for some reason the Prinicpality has never been a rewarding hunting ground for Massa.

"Honestly, it's always been terrible for our team," he said. "Don't ask me why, I don't know. It's a mystery to me."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.