Coulthard: Alonso braked early Race report Schumacher defends Montoya

The McLaren driver called his Renault rival "inexperienced" and accused him of braking too early, forcing Coulthard off the Nurburgring circuit late in the race.

"He braked much earlier than he had on the previous laps and it was definitely questionable," said Coulthard.

"It was very difficult for me to do anything else and it was a problem.

"I'd like to have another look at it and it'll be interesting to see exactly what the telemetry says.

"I was on a bit of a charge and I think I could have got past him.

I think David got a bit too close to me Fernando Alonso

"I think he's an inexperienced driver and this sort of incident shows how much he has to learn."

Alonso, however, refused to accept responsiblity.

The Renault driver, who held on to finish fourth, attributed any early braking to technical failings on his car.

"The stewards wanted to know what happened," said Alonso. "I told them I was having a few problems and slowed down a bit earlier on that lap.

"But there were no serious problems with the tyres or the car. I think David got a bit too close to me."

And the Spaniard was backed by Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.

"Alonso was a bit slower but it was nothing serious. Coulthard tried to pass him and got too near and he lost it.

"There was nothing wrong with Fernando's car. He drove a great race and we are very happy with the result."

But McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh accused Alonso of giving Coulthard a "brake test".

"It looks like David was being brake- tested and Alonso was weaving under braking," Whitmarsh said.

"Drivers have legitimately got to protect their racing line and it's clear you can change your position once, but you can't do it several times.

"It looked to me that he appeared to brake early. Maybe he had a problem or misjudged it and caught David out. David had no alternative, but to attack and he was unlucky."