Prost driver Olivier Panis has replied to criticism over his driving in the San Marino and Canadian Grands Prix, saying today, at the French Grand Prix Thursday Press Conference, that it was not his intent to block leading drivers.

"For me, Imola was not my fault," said the Frenchman. "I saw David Coulthard behind me, but I was fighting with Giancarlo Fisichella. It is very important for me to get a good result, for me and for the team.

"After that Alain Prost called me on the radio so I changed line. Coulthard went by, and then three corners later went into the gravel so he had to try again. I am very sorry, but that is not my fault."

As for Montreal, Panis added: "it is very clear for me [that I should not] hold up another driver. I was very sorry, but it was a difficult situation."