What a race! Kimi Raikkonen wins his first race of the season in style and
Michael Schumacher clinches a record 7th Drivers' Title.
The race was what all Formula 1 races should be. If only this was the first
race of the season!.
A few of the highlights:
Kimi Raikkonen finally wins a race as he had a car that was both fast
and reliable. Once again he showed us what he is capable of. If McLaren
continue this form we may have an interesting end to the season as they
chase Williams for 4th place.
David Coulthard was the unlucky one this time as he suffered a tyre
failure but he still managed to finish in 7th place (his usual spot or
thereabouts!).
Michael Schumacher clinched his 7th Drivers' Title since he finished 2
points ahead of Rubens Barrichello (not that Barrichello had half a chance
anyway!). Michael struggled on cold tyres and lost a lot of time to stage
a comeback towards the end of a stint. Still he stayed out of trouble and
finished second.
Rubens Barrichello was hit at the first corner and his race appeared to
over as he had to replace the rear wing but thanks to the safety car he
managed to catch up and finish in 3rd.
Felipe Massa finished a surprise 4th thanks to the many cars ahead of
him struggling. He too was involved at the first corner and had to pit but
benefited from the safety car condition. His team-mate Fisichella wasn't
as fortunate and damaged part of his front wing affecting him badly. He
still finished a credible 5th.
Christian Klein drove a solid race to finish in 6th and the was a great
result given his experience. His team-mate Mark Webber went overboard at
the start causing most of the problems at the first corner and then coming
together with Sato.
Olivier Panis 8th was a result of the high rate of attrition in front of
him. Team-mate Zonta had the worst of luck retiring with an engine failure
just 3 laps from the finish while running in 4th. The Toyota's seem to
have made a reasonable step forward though and they'll be interesting to
watch at Monza.
Fernando Alonso was another unlucky driver to be hit with gremlins while
leading the race. It would have been an interesting finish had he managed
to continue. The same can't be said of his team-mate Trulli who from
leading the race during the first stint ends up 9th at the end of the
race. He just didn't have the confidence in the car! Perhaps his team
shouldn't have the confidence in him and give another driver a chance.
Bad luck to both the Williams drivers. Montoya (love him or hate him)
showed us some bold overtaking moves but retired due to a tyre failure
while Antonio Pizzonia once again had a good race and was poised for a
podium finish until he lost drive 13 laps from the end. His 3 race
appearance will help him tremendously in securing a drive next
season.
BAR didn't have luck on their side either with Sato taken out early in
the race and Button retiring with yet another tyre failure.
There is a question mark on the durability of the Michelins. With
Coulthard, Montoya and Button all suffering from tyre failures, serious
questions must be asked!
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What others are saying:
It was one of the best races this season!
A great start by both the Renault's and then carnage all the way through. It
was surprising to see Alonso spin twice within 10 seconds and to see Trulli
losing speed by the lap.
I feel really sorry for both Ricardo Zonta (Toyota) and Antonio Pizzonia
(Williams). Zonta was running a strong fourth and his engine blew and Pizzonia
was going to finish on the podium. When he retired, he was in tears.
The final ten laps were really interesting, and congratulations to Kimi on his
win. Keep it up! - Pappy_F1 - Australia
Firstly, I ain't a fan of Schumi. But I respect his abilities,
dedication to the sport and his never give up attitude. being crowned the
champ again, I read Kimi saying that he can be as quick as Schumi. no dispute
abt that. But just one win for the season and he thinks he is as good as
Schumi, what a load of crap! as for Ron Dennis, "decline of the Ferrari
empire" ?? again it's just one win! this is not to belittle both Ron
Dennis or Kimi, but it takes more than what was said to be a 7 time world
champion.
As for Alonso, he seems 2 always feel he can win a race and oh yeah, nuthin
special abt Schumi, I remember him saying in a report. Well, if there's nuthin
special abt Schumi or Ferrari, explain why they (Mclaren, Renault, BMW) stand
where they stand now?? it seems 2 me there's a lot of hot air from these co
called f1 pilots!
Give credit where credit is due guys. And like it or not, Michael Schumacher
is one champion who earned his title.
By the way, I always go for the underdog. Hopefully Minardi have a better
season next year and the remaining few races this year - Kai I - Singapore
Once again, it is clear to me that the track plays a very
important role at the F1 circus. Because of the Olympic games there was no
live TV transmission in Brazil. I was watching the volleyball final and the F1
Live Timing at the same time. I had no doubt to skip a sunny Sunday morning at
Ipanema beach to stay home watching the TV of the best race of the year.
Montoya is bold, no doubt, but what he did to Trulli...
I'd like to see Pizzonia driving at Monza.
Kudos to Raikkonen and McLaren.
Let's hope 2005 will be an exciting season! - Andre B - Brazil
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