Excuses from Dan Wheldon, following the incident that forced Canadian Alex Tagliani out of the race at Sao Paulo, did not bring an end to the controversy as the hot blooded FAZZT racing driver even suggest that it was intentional.
Tagliani, who had started from second place in Sunday’s IndyCar’s season opener in Brazil, was completing lap 29 when his Dallara-Honda was hit from behind by Panther Racing’s Wheldon.
“Wheldon created a massive incident early in the race,” argued Tagliani.
“I watched the replay. I'm not stupid. The guy bumps me off the road and hits me. He crashes my car and then he lies to my face?,” said the Canadian.
After being punt from behind, the No.77 FAZZT Racing car hit the wall and bounced back and, in the process, crashed into the rear of Tony Kanaan's car, who was minding his own business at the time.
Wheldon, the 31-year old British driver, kept on going to finish fifth. Kanaan ended up 10th and Tagliani retired on the spot and was classified 19th in the 24-car field.
Wheldon was quick to apologize post-race. “ He comes to me at the airport, apologizes and says 'Oh I'm sorry. I hit a bump and locked up and slid into you.” Tagliani said.
"And I said 'OK. No problem. You're OK. Thank you.' And I shake his hand. Everything's good. And then I come to Indy and I watch the replay and it's (B.S.). I'm not happy."
Tagliani said he doesn't plan any retaliatory moves when the next race takes place in Florida on March 28, at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Tagliani, who had started from second place in Sunday’s IndyCar’s season opener in Brazil, was completing lap 29 when his Dallara-Honda was hit from behind by Panther Racing’s Wheldon.
“Wheldon created a massive incident early in the race,” argued Tagliani.
“I watched the replay. I'm not stupid. The guy bumps me off the road and hits me. He crashes my car and then he lies to my face?,” said the Canadian.
After being punt from behind, the No.77 FAZZT Racing car hit the wall and bounced back and, in the process, crashed into the rear of Tony Kanaan's car, who was minding his own business at the time.
Wheldon, the 31-year old British driver, kept on going to finish fifth. Kanaan ended up 10th and Tagliani retired on the spot and was classified 19th in the 24-car field.
Wheldon was quick to apologize post-race. “ He comes to me at the airport, apologizes and says 'Oh I'm sorry. I hit a bump and locked up and slid into you.” Tagliani said.
"And I said 'OK. No problem. You're OK. Thank you.' And I shake his hand. Everything's good. And then I come to Indy and I watch the replay and it's (B.S.). I'm not happy."
Tagliani said he doesn't plan any retaliatory moves when the next race takes place in Florida on March 28, at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.