Williams-Bmw’s complaint against Ralf Schumacher’s possible penalty in the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will be examined by the FIA in Paris on Tuesday, August 12, 2003: the verdict is expected by Wednesday, August 20, 2003. For the British team his driver has no responsibility in the accident at the start of the German Grand Prix, after which Ralf Schumacher himself, Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen retired from the race; the German driver risks a 10-place grid penalty in the next Grand Prix.
"I have a contract with Williams until 2004, but I am already in negotiations with several teams for 2005 and I am considering more than one option".
Juan Pablo Montoya, fresh winner of the German Grand Prix, thinks about his future in Formula 1 and does not hide having received several offers. The Colombian driver adds that:
"The Toyota project is currently the most interesting one. It is a team that has an unlimited budget".
Montoya denies the rumors which say that he has already reached an agreement with McLaren.
"No decision has been made yet. I know there’s a lot of rumors going around about me, and that can only please me because it means I’m working well. But there is nothing concrete".
Talking about his chances, the Colombian - who is second in the Formula 1 World Championship with a 6-point gap from the leader Michael Schumacher - is cautious:
"It’s hard to say how many chances I have to become champion, because you can go well in a Grand Prix and then maybe break the engine in the next one. If I win the title, fine. Otherwise, I will remain calm".
Since hope springs eternal, even Ralf Schumacher doesn’t give up on pursuing his dream of becoming a Formula 1 World Champion. But if this goal were precluded, the Williams-Bmw driver wouldn’t hesitate a moment to help his teammate, the Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, to beat his brother, Michael Schumacher. In an interview with the newspaper Bild, Ralf Schumacher plays the serious professional who respects commitments, without caring about blood ties.
"I am an employee of Williams-Bmw, and if I were in such a situation, I would give a hand to my teammate".
Ralf even takes into account a fight with his brother.
"Michael knows that Formula 1 is not the book of wishes and that there is a lot of money at stake. If I have the opportunity to win the world title for my team, I will do everything to make it happen".
Only on Wednesday afternoon, a little more than a day before the first practice of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ralf Schumacher will know if he can start from the place of the grid won in qualifying, or if he will have to fall back by ten positions. The story, however, becomes curious, intriguing and even disturbing. It was, in fact, communicated by Formula One Management (that is, by the company of Ecclestone) that for the first time in the history of motorsport the court hearing will be filmed by the German television Rtl. Is this a way to show that everything happens regularly, with the approval of justice? Or did Ecclestone manage to sell this off-plan too? It is easier to go for the second hypothesis, since there will be only one broadcaster’s cameras, who most likely paid for television rights. One thing is certain: Bernie manages to get money out of everything. What will happen next? Will he sell the rights when drivers go to pee? In the sport, a new path has been opened. Kimi Raikkonen, on the other hand, is the one who always walks on the old one, and evidently does not have a great esteem of rivals and in particular of Michael Schumacher.
"He is just like the others. The fact that he won five World Championships means little and does not mean that he is the best driver".
For someone who has won only one race so far, it is a true act of modesty. On Tuesday morning, Ralf Schumacher, Williams driver, tries to clear himself from the accusations of having caused the accident in the German Grand Prix. He was penalised for this with a 10-place grid penalty in the Hungarian Grand Prix. Williams' lawyer, Hunter, explains the reasons for the appeal for an hour and a half using videos and drawings. In the presence of the drivers involved (Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen are also there), the lawyer insists on Ralf’s reduced field of vision, the blind spot of the mirrors and the absence of a representative of Williams at the meeting of the driver with the stewards. For the defense, therefore, the German is not responsible for what is defined by them as a race accident. Ralf Schumacher confirms the meeting with the stewards:
"It lasted no more than four minutes and the president, Hoosein, was particularly aggressive while the other two didn’t speak to me".
Unusual fact, for the first time the FIA opens the use of its court to the press, letting six journalists enter the room. The decision will be taken on Wednesday. And while Ralf suffers the trial, his brother Michael, interviewed on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix, doesn’t shy away from the request for a prediction:
"On the Budapest circuit we have a recent positive tradition. In 2001, I won the drivers' title and, with the help of Rubens, we also took home the constructors' title. Last year we repeated the 1-2, with Rubens first and there was a second party for the teams’ title. So why not aim for a good result this year?"
The Hungaroring circuit has undergone some changes that could make overtaking easier:
"We will only find out on Friday if the changes were so significant. The Hungarian Grand Prix is a race where strategy choices play a very important role and this could play in our favor, as we have proven to be quite strong in this field".
The ban on private testing prevented new solutions from being brought to the track, but this doesn’t detract confidence to Michael:
"It’s true, the F2003-GA won’t be different from the one seen at Hockenheim, except for the obvious aerodynamic adaptations, but that doesn’t make me less optimistic. We know what the situation is in the championship and we will do everything to fight for the victory. I feel rested and relaxed after a few days of vacation. But I really want to go racing again and I can’t wait to sit in the cockpit of my Ferrari".
In the end, on Wednesday, August 20, 2003, Ralf Schumacher and Williams receive only a fine of $50.000: the FIA Appeals Court cancels the ten-place grid penalty for the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to the court, Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen were also responsible for the accident at the start.
"Having heard the explanations of the parties and examined documents and other evidence, the Court confirmed the conclusions of the race commissioners against Ralf Schumacher but, considering that the penalty imposed is inappropriate, it is replaced with a fine".
The driver defended himself claiming that Raikkonen’s car was outside his viewing angle. The four judges send the collected dossier to the commissioners of Hockenheim to examine the conduct of the race of Barrichello and Raikkonen in the light of the report drawn up by Peter Wright, technical and safety consultant. News at Renault: the contract of the two drivers, the Spaniard Fernando Alonso and the Italian Jarno Trulli, is extended for 2004.
"Having a stable environment is essential to succeed".
The final sprint of the World Championship begins in Budapest. Michael Schumacher leads the others: Juan Pablo Montoya is 6 points behind, Kimi Raikkonen 9 points behind. Mathematics also gives some hope to Ralf Schumacher, who is 19 points behind and, if he recovers, would end up damaging his teammate. For Rubens Barrichello the chances ended in the clash at the start of the German Grand Prix. An incident that leaves a legal trace: Ralf Schumacher is guilty, as the German stewards had decided, but gets away with a fine of $50,000 instead of a 10-place grid penalty. Instead, the position of the Brazilian and Kimi Raikkonen has reopened, both involved in the carambola and at first exonerated. The stewards of the German Grand Prix will meet in Budapest on Friday to examine new data collected by a technical consultant and decide on possible sanctions. Barrichello and Raikkonen could suffer a relegation in the starting grid, their teams would appeal, the decision would be suspended. Or, more wisely, judges will just hand out fines that upset team managers. In Hungary, the ten teams will take to the track with the same cars of three weeks ago in Hockenheim, because in August testing is prohibited and the development of engines and electronics slows down. Aerodynamics don’t present major problems: maximum load, as in Monte Carlo. The track has been modified to allow some overtaking, there is an extra 300 metres of straight, but no one expects the show seen at Silverstone. For this reason strategies will be decisive: it is important to be light enough to qualify ahead, but not too much to not have to refuel after a few laps. A nice rebus for pit strategists. Ferrari plays in defence: the heat favours the rivals of Williams-Bmw with Michelin tyres, which have already dominated in Germany. Every little mistake, every little point lost affects the World Championship. Michael Schumacher’s six-point lead is a small treasure to keep at times like this.
Having three opponents still in contention could prove to be an advantage: Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya risk stealing points and playing the leader of the standings, Ralf Schumacher promised that he will help his teammate at the cost of losing his brother, but he might change his mind (Frank Williams has always assured that drivers are free to fight). There are no easy races, but the Grand Prix that will be held at the Hungaroring is a particularly tough one, although the tradition is favorable. Last year, Ferrari won the fourth consecutive Constructors' title on this track, in 2001 it was Michael Schumacher himself who closed the fight two months in advance.
"We knew it would be tough, we’ve been saying it since February. However, we are always in the lead. No other team won five races in 2003".
The Ferrari team also leads the constructors' championship, but with just two points left, the support of Rubens Barrichello and Ralf Schumacher becomes decisive. After passing Hungary, Ferrari will face the last three races with greater chances. The Monza circuit is very suitable to the F2003-GA, in Indianapolis the cars of Maranello have always dominated, Suzuka is the track on which Bridgestone studies its compounds. Even in 2000, the worst moments of the season were lived in Budapest and Spa (where this year there is no race), while the final trio of Michael Schumacher brought back to Maranello a trophy that had been missing for twenty-one years. The goal is to repeat the success. On Thursday, August 21, 2003, Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya say hello to each other at the entrance of the Hungaroring, then join their respective motorhomes, meet the engineers, and set the pace for the pre-qualifying of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Once they used to fight on the track and hated each other cordially in the pits, today they respect each other and consider the other the most fearsome opponent. And these are their predictions and their hopes with four races to go. Who will win the World Championship? Michael Schumacher replies:
"I’m optimistic because the team worked very well and I am six points ahead of Juan Pablo in the standings. It is right that at Hockenheim we struggled compared to Williams, but let’s not forget that two weeks before, at Silverstone, Ferrary dominated. We will play it until the end. It will be hard, but I feel favored".
Montoya responds:
"I will respond when we are in Suzuka on Sunday evening. It’s Michael to have the best chance at the moment because he is first in the standings. The championship is going well for me and my team. We improve from race to race, so anything can happen. Let’s wait and see".
Ferrari has won the last two editions of the Budapest Grand Prix, even if Williams is in the lead in the predictions. Is the outcome of the race so obvious? The German driver replies:
"The track will say it. The balance changes quickly in Formula 1, although we are not the favorites. Later, starting from Monza, good times will return. We can accept to be slower in a couple of races, because then we will be able to recover with technical development".
While the Colombian replies:
"The Budapest circuit is not suitable for Ferrari. It is true that I have never won a point here, but the car has improved so much that success is within our reach".
The Hungaroring has been modified. The pit straight is 202 metres longer, so you may see some overtaking. Do you like the new track?
"Yes, now it is more technical, as I like it. I cannot wait to test the upgrades".
The Williams driver adds:
"I have always liked the city of Budapest more than its circuit. Now the situation seems improved: in my opinion, the changes will favour us and, in this regard, I have some ideas to develop with our engineers. It would be nice to come home with a win".
Ralf Schumacher avoided the penalty of ten places at the start of the accident in Hockenheim and was only fined: is it a fair judgement? The brother answers:
"Sure. The decision of the stewards in Germany seemed too harsh".
While the teammate says:
"This decision puts Ralf back in the race for the World Championship. It is good for the team and the championship will increase in interest".
Will the tyres once again be decisive?
"The package counts, that is chassis, engine and tyres together".
While Juan Pablo Montoya says:
"When Schumacher won, everyone said he was a champion. Now that I win, everyone says it depends on tyres".
The heat, however, has so far favoured the Michelins over the Bridgestones. Michael Schumacher replies:
"Bridgestone has worked hard to provide us with more and more competitive tyres. Let’s wait before making any judgement".
And the Colombian driver replies:
"At the moment the temperature is cooler than in Germany. I hope that the sun returns, because so far it has helped us. Physically, I feel in great shape: I spent the last week on vacation in my home in Miami and I am prepared to face a torrid climate".
With four Grands Prix to go, the World Championship is still open: do you enjoy yourself more than in 2002? The Ferrari driver replies:
"Let’s say the challenge is exciting. Being chased by Montoya, Raikkonen and Ralf can even be an advantage for me, because they end up taking points away from each other. Apart from that, I had more fun a year ago, when I was always winning".
While the Williams driver admits:
"I am experiencing my best season in Formula 1. Very enjoyable, although we are all under constant pressure. For Michael it is an advantage, he is in the lead".
What is the extra weapon to win this World Championship?
"We have to keep working, do our best, and avoid mistakes. Everyone has had ups and downs, only at the end we will know who is the best".
While the Colombian says:
"Easy: those who know how to make the most of the car will win".
But perhaps, it will not be only this that will benefit Michael Schumacher or Juan Pablo Montoya, since the crisis of Ferrari has a deep red colour. The F2003-GA seen on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23, 2003 at the Hungaroring is slower than the Williams-Bmw, McLaren-Mercedes and Renault. And Michael Schumacher, for the third time in a row, qualifies behind his teammate: a negative record for him. Without a proof of pride, something different or a good strategy, the Maranello team risks losing the leadership on two fronts, the Drivers' World Championship and the Constructors' Championship. That the Hungarian Grand Prix was a critical race of the World Championship, was repeated in Maranello for some time. As from February, they explain that the 2002 season will remain unforgettable and unrepeatable. But the current gap from the opponents surprises everyone a little. Fernando Alonso takes the second pole position of the year and of his career on a slow and technical circuit that Renault face as if they were racing on a track. Too bad for Jarno Trulli, who is the fastest on Friday and Saturday but is forced to settle for the sixth place on the grid, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher. The eighth place of the World Champion, worst qualifying of the year, has an official explanation: the tyre pressure in the first sector of the circuit was insufficient. Then it got up because of the heat of the track and the friction, and the performance improved. Too late to do anything good. But the German driver tries to joke:
"I have to go around looking for the tenths I lost on the way".
Before the technicians discovered the problem, he had taken all the blame:
"The wind didn’t bother me, the dirt on the track was the same for everyone, Barrichello was faster, so the result depends on me".
The only consolation of the day is that the most dangerous opponents, those able to take away the world title, are not too far ahead: seventh Kimi Raikkonen (will start from the clean side of the track), fourth the Colombian (dirty side) between Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
"It doesn’t matter who wins, it’s important to get close to them. It’s going to be a long race. In theory, the changes to the circuit favours the overtakes, but it is better not to get any illusions. Strategies are our strength: usually we are able to adapt quickly to situations. Don’t worry, tonight I’ll think about my family, not about Montoya".
Rubens Barrichello (fifth) has his own vision of the problem: the stopwatch gives him the same time to the thousandth of Juan Pablo Montoya, ranked fourth because he got on track first. Third is Mark Webber (Jaguar) who is presumed to have little fuel, as well as Fernando Alonso. Rubens Barrichello says:
"The only one who really did better than me was Ralf. Virtually my time is worth the first row, the goal is the podium".
If the opponents allow it: from pole, the Spaniard suggests that he wouldn’t mind a win, which would be the first of his career. He has an exceptional starting system, if he keeps the lead of the group at the first corner nobody passes him until the pit stops. Strategies are a nice variable. As there are three stops, the moment becomes crucial. Michael Schumacher may have decided to take more fuel to delay the first stop, while Rubens Barrichello would have made the opposite choice. The same would have happened in Williams, with Ralf Schumacher who risks everything to be in contention in the World Championship, while Juan Pablo Montoya is cautious and thinks about finishing with a good haul of points. Is it possible that the most whimsical driver of Formula 1 suddenly became an accountant of the wheel?
"It was enough for me to be in front of Michael, without looking for trouble. In the past I have sometimes pushed too hard, ending up making mistakes. It weighs me, it’s against my mentality, but at this point of the season, given the ranking, I have to use my head more than my foot. I would like to get to the final race in Suzuka with over ten points, otherwise I would like the title to be decided there".
The Colombian driver does not expect the help of his teammate:
"If Ralf wants to be champion, he’s got to get real. Like I am doing".
Ralf Schumacher makes us think, while preaching calmly:
"Yes, everyone seems to be in a great position, but if you look at the track it is not so. The track on my side is dirty and I can’t think of throwing myself from the other side. I’ll rely on launch control and hope for the best. The strategy? Mine is different from that of Juan Pablo. But, above all, it is better".
Luckily Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher are not unreachable:
"It will be a long race, let’s expect everything but without too many illusions".
On Sunday, August 24, 2003, at the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso sprints well and keeps the lead of the race. Both Williams-Bmw drivers, who started on the dirty side of the track, started rather slowly, creating a bit of havoc in the group. In an attempt to immediately recover the lost positions, Ralf Schumacher loses control of the car at the second corner, spins and slips to last place. At the end of the first lap Fernando Alonso leads in front of Mark Webber, Rubens Barrichello, Kimi Räikkönen, Jarno Trulli, David Coulthard, Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya. During the third lap Rubens Barrichello tries to overtake Mark Webber who, clearly slower than Fernando Alonso, slows down the pursuers. The Brazilian, however, makes a mistake, spinning and falling back to fifth place. In the meantime, Fernando Alonso gains a huge advantage, taking advantage of Mark Webber’s block on opponents, while Ralf Schumacher starts his comeback from the back of the group. The situation remains the same until lap 13, when both Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso return to the pits: the Spaniard returns to the track in second place, regaining the lead of the race while Kimi Räikkönen returns to the pits to refuel two laps later, returning on track in front of Mark Webber. The Australian precedes Jarno Trulli, followed in turn by Rubens Barrichello, Juan Pablo Montoya, Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher and David Coulthard. On lap 20, in the braking of the first corner, on Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari the rear suspension fails. The Brazilian driver loses control of the car, crashing violently against the barriers without suffering physical damage. On lap 28, Ralf Schumacher, who had already overtaken David Coulthard, passes his brother. Two laps later Fernando Alonso makes his second stop, returning to the track in the lead. Mark Webber also refuels the next lap, while Jarno Trulli and Kimi Räikkönen stop on lap 32 and lap 33 respectively. Free from the Italian’s Renault, the two Williams-Bmw drivers are free to push to the maximum, both managing to keep behind the rival after the stop. But Mark Webber is between the two, blocking Ralf Schumacher behind him. Michael Schumacher, now in third position, refuels on lap 39, but is left without fuel at the entrance of the pit lane, losing a lot of time and returning to the track in eighth place, behind Jarno Trulli.
Between the two there is David Coulthard, who started with a two-stop strategy and was the last to pit during lap 43. Fernando Alonso leads ahead of Kimi Räikkönen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Webber, Ralf Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher. With a clear track ahead of him, the Colombian Williams driver is clearly the fastest on the track, but his gap from the first two is too wide to reach them. Ralf Schumacher overtakes Mark Webber on lap 46, but finds himself far from his teammate. The third series of pit stops doesn’t bring changes of positions, with the exception of David Coulthard who, no longer having to refuel, overtakes Jarno Trulli and Mark Webber and climbs to fifth place. In the last laps Fernando Alonso laps both Michael Schumacher and teammate Jarno Trulli, winning the Hungarian Grand Prix and the first race in his career preceding Kimi Räikkönen, Juan Pablo Montoya (who on lap 63 spins without consequences), Ralf Schumacher, David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Jarno Trulli and Michael Schumacher. At Maranello they had foreseen this, even before the start of the season: it will be a very difficult year. But no one could think that it would be so hard, that we would get to a lapped Michael Schumacher in the race, as happened in Hungary. It is true that the German driver had a problem at the pit stop when the planned quantity of fuel did not enter. It was disappointing, however, that the World Champion did not even manage to recover the first position at the end when he had the Renault of Jarno Trulli, who was slower, ahead. This means that the F2003-GA wasn’t able to be competitive. This is demonstrated by the result in its ruthless completeness: not only the two cars of the French team (which allowed Fernando Alonso a splendid victory), but also two Williams-Bmw, a McLaren-Mercedes and a Jaguar. The most significant data is still the lap time: Michael scored the eighth with 1.112 seconds from Alonso, surpassed also by Da Matta, as well as all the competitors who preceded him on the finish line, except Trulli. Ferrari (and also Bridgestone) admits a serious tyre problem. This is certainly one of the weaknesses. The superiority of Michelin is clear.
Having better tyres not only guarantees more speed, but also a faster start, the possibility of implementing elastic strategies and continuity of performance. In 2002, when Ferrari had a clear superiority in all sectors, it could, if necessary, also make up for tyre problems. Now that the opponents have progressed, everything becomes more complicated. And it is not a question of inferences. Pascal Vasselon, in charge of the program of Formula 1 for the French company, explained it well.
"We have prepared a method with our teams that has proved us right. We’ve collected billions of data, we control every car, lap by lap, sector by sector of every track. Also about our rivals. Then we put everything together and work on the construction and composition of the tyre compounds. Long story short: on dry asphalt, excluding Brazil where it rained, these were our advantages per lap: 0.1 seconds in Melbourne and Montreal, 0.2 in Imola, 0.3 in Austria and Great Britain. Higher in other circuits: 0.6 in Malaysia, 0.7 in Munich, 0.9 in Barcelona, 1.2 in France and the Nurburgring, 1.3 in Hockenheim. We have not yet analysed Budapest, but we believe it is similar".
In front of certain figures you understand many things: a super-powerful and reliable engine can earn a car from 0.2 to 0.4 seconds per lap, depending on the track. Then there are the other parameters, from aerodynamics to mechanics, up to electronics, to evaluate, but the tyres remain a decisive factor, as always. Not to mention that in the paddock there is the rumour that Michelin, after having patented its own system on suspension kinematics, has proposed it to its teams. It isn’t yet known if this invention has already been developed, if it has been tested and if someone has adopted it. But there are strong suspicions for an affirmative answer. That said, what can Ferrari do? It will have to fight, commit to the end. Three races remain: Monza, Indianapolis and Suzuka. In theory, at least the last two should be in favour of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. But, given the results of the most recent races, any prediction could be turned upside down. At Maranello they are preparing for this challenge: engine evolution, new aerodynamic package, an impressive number of tyre tests and interventions in all sectors. At the moment, however, it is very difficult to understand what will happen. The only really positive fact for the Italian team comes from the tussle that there is at the top. Williams-Bmw wants to win the Constructors' World Championship with McLaren-Mercedes that hasn’t abandoned the dreams of glory (and Renault, which in theory could be the referee). Among the drivers, Michael Schumacher still has a margin point, with two rivals able to overtake him already from the next race, in the Italian Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen, a mastiff, at this point should have no more difficulty with teammate David Coulthard and will be free to attack. Life is less easy for Juan Pablo Montoya who always has to deal with Ralf Schumacher. One thing is certain: this time it will be up to Ferrari (who can now complain about his lost points in the first three races, when he was still superior with the F2002) the task of putting Michael Schumacher in conditions not only to defend himself, but to seek a counterattack. It is however worrying what happened to Rubens Barrichello, who has lived three seconds of fear thinking of God, seeing life flowing in front of him as in a film and the protective barriers approaching at more than 200 km/h.
"When I opened my eyes, everything was fine".
The Brazilian driver felt the most terrible feeling that can happen to those who are at the wheel: approaching a bend at great speed without brakes and without the possibility of steering. The accident was caused by the failure of the left rear suspension at the bottom of the fastest straight of the Hungaroring, the one in front of the pits, lengthened by 200 metres to increase overtaking and show.
"Too bad they sacrificed the escape route and it was up to me to prove that the circuit is no longer safe. We pointed this out to Charlie Whiting [security delegate, ndr]. Now it will be clear to everyone".
It is not clear, however, why a vital piece of the car suddenly gave up. Jean Todt says:
"An arm of the upper triangle of the suspension has broken. It is a component that we have been using for at least two years without any problem. At the moment we do not know the cause of the failure".
Poor Barrichello collects the second, traumatic consecutive withdrawal. In Germany it was Kimi Raikkonen and Ralf Schumacher who excluded him from the race, this time the car betrayed him.
"At that moment I prayed and tried to slow down, but only the front brakes worked. It is like being on a rollercoaster, knowing that it will end badly and not being able to do anything".
The front impact was impressive. The front part disintegrated, but the carbon cell that makes up the cockpit withstood the impact. The seat belts have restrained the driver’s body, the collar Hans - mandatory from this year - has avoided injuries to the cervical spine.
"I was one of Hans' haters. I've changed my mind".
Says the Brazilian driver, who immediately after the accident threw the wheel away and remained half a minute in the cockpit.
"I was making sure I wasn’t hurt. I bit my tongue and took a blow to my finger. Then I said that I was fine, so my family wouldn’t worry, and I walked back to the pits. But there is one thing that upsets me: the circuit doctor did not even come to ask me how I was".
And in the meantime, Michael Schumacher cites Murphy’s law to synthesise the terrible day of Ferrari, the worst of the last four seasons, ended with his skimpy eighth place and the car of Rubens Barrichello to pieces.
"If something could go wrong, it did".
Defeat was inevitable, disaster wasn't. This morning they will try to understand why a suspension has broken and why Michael Schumacher has returned to the pits without fuel. Next week, testing will resume after the summer break. Michael Schumacher, when was your race decided?
"On the second pit stop. The goal was to overtake Coulthard and Trulli, but instead I lost a few seconds because in the entrance curve to the pits the fuel ran out and the engine shut down. I returned by inertia, with the gearbox in neutral".
In a sophisticated car like Formula 1, how can such a trivial problem happen?
"Consumption is calculated before the race and it’s impossible to estimate how much fuel is burned and how much remains. Fuel moves in the tank and you can’t measure with a float if the consumption in the race varies, you risk running out of it especially if you reach the autonomy limit".
Did the lapping of Alonso bother you?
"No, I’ve been saying for a long time that he’s a great driver and has a winning future. Here in Budapest he had a great race. Anyway, it’s not the first time I’ve been lapped, but luckily it happens rarely. The reason is that I got stuck in traffic and I never managed to keep my ideal pace, while Fernando had free track. What surprises me most is the gap with his teammate Trulli: there has never been a one-lap difference between them in a Grand Prix".
About Trulli: Ferrari seemed faster, why couldn’t you get past him?
"Simply because he was faster coming out of the last corner, the one that leads on the pit straight, where you can overtake. I could never get close to preparing the attack".
Do you still believe in the world title?
"Yes, I am optimistic. Let no one be deceived. I’ve been beaten in the last races but the next ones [Monza, Indianapolis and Suzuka, ndr] are favourable to Ferrari and after some unlucky Grands Prix I think good luck will come back. If your name is Schumacher you must always fight".
How do you expect to redeem yourselves?
"We will work hard. No stop. Without commitment and effort you won't get results. Next week we will start testing ahead of the Monza Grand Prix".
What is there to improve?
"All areas of the car. We have a big test program. The whole team is motivated, this gives me hope. And let us not forget that I am still in the lead. And the struggle exalts me. The important thing is to exploit all the potential we have, and I assure you that it is a lot. Think of the Canadian Grand Prix: the Montreal circuit has similar speed characteristics to those of Monza and there we won".
Did you see Barrichello’s incident?
"Not well. I realised it had to be a suspension issue, but it’s too early to know what it was. Luckily he remained unharmed. Too bad for his race, he was going quite well".
Even his brother’s overtaking must be weighed upon him...
"That’s not true. When Ralf passed I didn’t worry, because I knew our strategies were different. I realised that there was nothing more to do when they told me that the opponent who preceded Trulli was too far to assume a comeback".
If the final of the Drivers' World Championship will be interesting, it will be due to Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen. In Hungary the drivers of Williams-Bmw and McLaren-Mercedes have reopened the interest for the World Championship and are now separated from Michael Schumacher by a trifle: 1 point Montoya, 2 Raikkonen. Fernando Alonso clearly says that, according to him, the two of them will have the greatest chances of victory. But Juan Pablo Montoya replies:
"I really don’t know. The important thing for me today was to score more points than Schumacher and I am totally satisfied with my third place. It counts as a victory. However, on a circuit like this, I found that it is better to start from the seventh position, even from the ninth, than from the unclean part of the track. There was so much dirt that I seemed to have an anchor attached to my Bmw".
In fact, Montoya immediately found himself behind Michael Schumacher after the start.
"I have been good at being patient. I waited for the pit stops to pass him. And in the end I was only careful and I won a third place that feels like a victory".
However, he risked losing the position when, ten laps from the end, spun.
"It was a mistake completely on my side, to the point that I risked losing everything. I was lucky not to lose the position and not to be overtaken by Ralf. Now I’m waiting for Monza, where anything can happen because in my opinion on that circuit we and Ferrari are at the same level".
Compared to Montoya, Kimi Raikkonen is much more aggressive, starting from the seventh position he managed to conquer the place of honour. It is no coincidence that the head of Williams-Bmw, Patrick Head, in the aftermath of the race expresses critical words towards his drivers:
"If you want to win the World Championship, you can’t start like we did. This is not how you win World Championships".
The way, if anything, is that of Kimi Raikkonen. If he hadn’t found Mark Webber’s Jaguar on his way, the Finn in Budapest could have even fought for the victory.
"For me it is a very positive day, because I have significantly reduced the gap in the standings. But if I hadn’t lost all that time behind Webber things could have gone differently".
This is also why the young heir of Mika Hakkinen feels more than ever in the running for the World Championship.
"The car was fine today, and of one thing I am sure: in the last three races we will all give one hundred percent of our chances to try to win".
McLaren owner Ron Dennis is also enthusiastic about the result.
"The team put on a great performance. Both Raikkonen and Coulthard drove perfectly, the strategy turned out to be right, the Michelin tyres were excellent".
Finally, a radiant Flavio Briatore, who repeatedly embraces and kisses his driver on the podium, speaking about Fernando Alonso says:
"This guy is an absolute talent, and I’m happy for him and for the whole team".
And the Spaniard adds:
"This year we wanted to win at least one race and it is important to achieve this. And then, if I may say so, lapping a Ferrari was the greatest satisfaction of my life. But at the same time I must congratulate Michael, who on this occasion was very correct".
To applaud Alonso under the podium, but more than anything to eat him with his eyes - inevitably a little watery - is his father, José Luis. Engineer, employed for years in a company that produces explosives, Mr Alonso today does a very different and fun job. He follows his son to racetracks. And he enjoys it.
"I have to be honest: none of us thought that victory could come this year. The second place in Barcelona was beautiful. And if I think it all started with karts... it is incredible".
While the president of Ferrari, Luca Montezemolo, warns his team:
"Never again. I don’t want to see episodes and performances like those of Hungary anymore".
The president of Ferrari participates in Maranello at the usual briefing on Monday, the meeting that follows the Grand Prix. He had already intervened three weeks before. In Budapest it was worse: mistakes, a bad accident, and a worse performance than many - too many - opponents (Renault and Jaguar, as well as Williams and McLaren). The discussion lasts three hours. Each department manager must explain what has not worked, how he is working and where he can improve. Montezemolo uses harsh tones, he clearly says that no other distractions will be allowed, such as the error in tyre inflation pressure (Saturday qualifying, Schumacher’s car), the mistake in calculating the amount of fuel (Michael Schumacher returned to the pits for the second pit stop with an empty tank), the breaks (the upper triangle arm of the suspension on the car of Rubens Barrichello, for reasons not yet clarified).
"And then we hope that this summer of record heat is over".
The reference is clear: not all problems arise in Maranello. The higher the temperatures, the worse the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. In Budapest, 32 °C in the air and 44 °C on the asphalt, they couldn’t do anything: Michelin monopolised the first seven places in the ranking.
"Each of us must be able to question ourselves and find perfection in our field of activity working with great humility and determination. At Monza I want to see the great winning pair Ferrari-Bridgestone".
With the Japanese, from 1999 to today Ferrari has won seven world titles and 45 Grands Prix. An extraordinary synchrony that almost suddenly failed: Michael Schumacher has not been on the podium since the French Grand Prix and since his last victory in Canada he has lost 17 points to Juan Pablo Montoya, who is now only one point behind. Ferrari is asking for a special effort from Bridgestone. From Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4, 2003, in Monza there will be three cars engaged in a testing program that looks exhausting. In addition to tyres and aerodynamics, an evolution of the engine, that should give a few dozen horsepower more, will be tested. There is to prepare the Grand Prix that will be held in the same circuit on Sunday, September 14, 2003, a prestigious race because it is held in front of the home crowd and is decisive for the season. The Maranello team would hardly recover from another defeat. The characteristics of the track enhance power and aerodynamic efficiency, qualities in which Ferrari (but also Williams) excels. The result could postpone every verdict to Indianapolis and Suzuka.
"We are at a crucial moment, on the eve of the last three races. We knew and have always repeated that continuing at the top after four years of success is very difficult, especially against very strong opponents and for a long time without successes".
Technical partners, in particular tyre manufacturers, are being asked to make an extraordinary effort to respond to competition and regain lost competitiveness.
"I know I can count on a team that in difficult times has always reacted without losing its head".
Unchanged confidence in the drivers:
"Michael is the best in the world and continues to be at the top of the standings; Rubens had a great race, although unfortunately he only stayed on track for twenty laps".
The overtaking of Williams-Bmw in the standings of the Constructors' World Championship, a title that Ferrari has won since 1999, is also enormously annoying. The points lost at the beginning of the year, when the weather conditions were more changeable and the pair Juan Pablo Montoya-Ralf Schumacher suffered because of a slow and awkward car, are missing. In the three extra-European Grands Prix that opened the season (Australia, Malaysia and Brazil), many chances of victory were wasted. In São Paulo the most sensational episode: Rubens Barrichello who runs out of fuel when he is in the lead and Michael Schumacher who crashes, when it would have been enough to check and take advantage of the mistakes of others. However it goes, it has been a difficult and exciting championship: three drivers (Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen) are enclosed in the space of three points, three teams (Williams-Bmw, Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes) contend for the World Championship and three new talents have definitely nominated themselves for the succession of Michael Schumacher. In addition to the two who contend for the record, Fernando Alonso has grown a lot. Many consider him the best and in Hungary he became the eighth winner of the 2003 season.