Four in a Row
Grand Prix of San Marino

By Erik Nielsen
Photos courtesy and copyright Ferrari Media

Michael Schumacher captured his fourth victory in a row this season to be in the lead with maximum points after the first European grand prix. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much drama involved with the way he is doing it. Just classic Schumacher. Cool and methodical.

The surprise of the weekend is the performance of Jenson Button and BAR-Honda. The young Brit stunned the Italian crowd by earning his first career pole for him and the team. "This is a difficult track to overtake on so I wasn't too worried, but then after Michael overtook me in the first pit stop he pulled out a very strong lead. I was very surprised actually. There was nothing I could do to catch him but we are very pleased to have taken a step up the podium."

While this track is notoriously difficult to pass on, Michael was able to use an old trick. Let the competition pit early, and then pull off two or three fliers of a lap before your pit stop. The boys in red have not slowed down at all and can still perform some of the fastest pit changes of anyone on the grid. Michael went into the lead on lap 9 and never looked back.

The other bit of excitement was during lap one when Juan Pablo challenged Schumacher for second place. The Columbian may have been ahead at Tamburello (slightly), the German had more control of the car by Tosa and forced the chronic complainer into using his BMW-Williams as an expensive lawn mower.

Juan Pablo complained trying to get a rise out of the winner during the press conference, but only came across as a sore looser. "Michael Schumacher had a poor start and was slow out of the first chicane and the first few corners. I tried to pass him but he closed the door twice. I had to back off but when I tried again he hit me and pushed me out on to the grass. I am very disappointed as this was not fair racing." Even long time BMW fans are starting to tire of his gripes. He probably won't be missed at Williams.

The Renaults finished fourth and fifth, but really weren't doing more than being fast traffic. Rubens was stuck behind Trulli most of the race and captured three points for the team.

The news of the day was that Kimi Raikkonen finished a grand prix without a spectacular mechanical failure. The Finn started from the pit lane after yet another engine swap banned under the rules. He also has one point in the championship after his 8th place finish. He should be very thankful in that Sato-san's engine expired 5 laps from the finish while he was in the points. Heads will probably continue to role in Woking.

As for everyone else, they were there, but nothing memorable occurred. If you're a Ferrari or Schumacher fan, life is still good (especially for those that never lost the faith through the 80's and early 90's). But to be honest, even I am starting to feel that the races are good for a nap. The season continues on May 9th in Spain.