Brawn blames Fisichella for Schumacher puncture

SAO PAULO, Oct 22 (Reuters) Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn blamed Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella for a puncture that wrecked Michael Schumacher's hopes of winning his final Formula One Grand Prix.

''I don't think we could have done any better. It's just frustrating with the constructors' (standings) because we obviously had a very quick car today,'' he told Germany's Premiere television at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

''I think Giancarlo clipped Michael's tyre as he went past him and screwed our race. So it's very unfortunate because we had by far the quickest car today.'' Schumacher, retiring with seven world titles and 91 wins, finished fourth after fighting back from last place. Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa won the race.

The German collected the puncture after passing Fisichella, whose Renault team retained their constructors' title, for fifth place on lap nine. Television footage was inconclusive about whether the cars actually touched.

REUTERS PDS KP0105