Puncture slows Schumacher to seventh

Abu dhabi, Nov 13, 2011 (AFP) - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher suffered a late-race puncture on his way to finishing seventh behind his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Schumacher, 42, said he felt there was a problem with the car that was affecting its balance during the closing stages of a thrilling contest won in convincing style by Briton Lewis Hamilton of McLaren.

Schumacher said: "We had a puncture towards the end of the race and the team asked us to stop [after crossing the line].

"I had a reasonable start, a nice battle with Nico, but I did not want to give him too much of a hard time. I knew he was on the better tyres so I just tried to focus forward.

"We had a new set that helped us get close to Sutil in the second stint.

There were some things happening that meant the balance wasn't what it should be so I am pleased we kept it together through to the chequered flag and got the points we did."

Rosberg said: "It was fun, we had a good scrap and after that it was a good race. I feel we are going well and that was an enjoyable race today."

Both Mercedes drivers had a good race, since both move up one spot from the initial grid position. Although a good results, it seems like a 6, 7 or 8 finish is the norm for the team.