Ralf Proves He Can Push
Grand Prix of Europe, June 29, 2003

By Erik Nielsen

Pictures copyright and courtesy Ferrari Media

Ralf Schumacher kept his critics quiet by easing into a win at the Nurburgring when Kimi and his older brother both ran into problems. More importantly, it was a 1-2 finish for BMW-Williams when the ink was not yet dry on BMW's contract extension to supply engines for an additional 5 years. The race did, however, have some controversy attached to it.

The flying Finn had the first pole of his career by just barely outrunning Michael in Saturday's session allowing him to start on the clean side of the track.

With 35 laps left, the Mercedes-badged Illmor gave up its ghost and the German tifosi screamed that Schuie had a chance to solidify his lead in the championship. Then fate, in the form of a Columbian, intervened. Juan Pablo tried to pass the defending world champion on the outside of the Dunlop corner. No one ever accused Montoya of not having a set of brass cajones, but this is not a good way to impress other people of your skills. The elder Schumacher spun as he was trying to hold the line and ended up in the kitty litter. As most of the fans were screaming in agony, the marshals came out and gave him a push. Before you cry foul, the rules were changed over the winter and, so long as you keep the car running and you're in a "dangerous" position, you can get outside help. It was enough to keep Michael running to the end in 5th with 4 points to extend his lead. His team mate ran an uneventful race and finished 3rd.

If Ferrari had a rough race (even Jean Todt said it was their worst weekend this season), McLaren had the crap kicked out of them. It was bad enough that the Finn didn't finish the race, but a mistake by Coulthard trying to get by Alonso allowed Michael to move up one more spot in the points. Either DC was caught asleep at the wheel or Alonso braked early and caught the other McLaren driver way off guard. Norbert Haug was seen banging his desk on Sunday, but it wasn't the same facial expression seen when Kimi qualified 1st. The 2003 car has been delayed (again) and it doesn't look good for the boys from Woking.

This race result has them currently 3rd in the points. Maybe DaimlerChrysler will start advertising the Maybach more than F1 for a while...

As for the rest, once again Renault showed it can run with the big boys. If Alonso did spook DC rather than having a gearbox problem, good for him. He showed he can mess with others. Button showed that the BAR Honda can finish a race. Even in the points. Unlike his team mate whose contract is surely on life support by now. Both Jaguars finished and Mark Webber managed to get the team 3 points, with Mindardi still being the only team not to have any yet.

There shouldn't be too many withdrawal pains this week as the French Grand Prix is Sunday.