Even a Typhoon Can't Stop Schumacher
Grand Prix of Japan

By Erik Nielsen
Photos copyright and courtesy of Ferrari Media

Michael Schumacher proved again why he is one of the greatest drivers ever in Formula 1 by cramming an entire weekend's worth of work in a single day and winning pole and the race. Mother nature tried to get involved in the action by sending typhoon #22 at the Suzuka circuit, but the Scuderia Ferrari wasn't even fazed by her actions. While he may have had some mixed results lately, win #13 is not something you see often. The focus was there this weekend and no one, not even his brother, was going to stop him. Ralf did make a good return to the sport in Shanghai, but Japan was proof that he was back in the sport. He didn't get the top spot, but a second place finish ahead of both BAR Honda's. The result was not only good for Frank Williams, but also good for Ralf, impressing the bosses at Toyota in their own back yard.

Jenson Button grabbed the last podium spot, ahead of his teammate, more or less sealing the team's second place in the constructor's championship. Not a bad way to keep the bosses happy and maybe even forgive him for changing teams next year. Just kidding, they're still pissed at him. Sato-san held it together and didn’t grenade an engine. Maybe there is something to a one-day event…

Fernando Alonso finished in fifth; not making Flavio happy, but then again, Flavio is probably more interested in Nicole Kidman at this point. Unfortunately for the French fans, the team is suffering because of it. The F1 community could only be so lucky as to see him fired at the end of the season. Villeneuve didn't do anything this weekend, finishing in tenth. Behind BOTH Saubers. Brilliant move Peter. Let's hope the French Canadian really is on a performance based contract for the Swiss team's sake next year.

Kimi Raikonnen and Juan Pablo Montoya finished sixth and seventh respectively. At least the Columbian probably won't move down the grid when he changes to the Woking based team next year. McLaren has definitely lost track of the ball this year. Maybe launching the new headquarters and the Mercedes-McLaren SLR were too many tasks for the small British team to focus on. In either case, Ron Denis has reason to have his frown now.

Coulthard and Barichello tangled with fifteen laps to go taking them both out. DC only has one last race at McLaren to show off some of his skills. Otherwise, he'll be focusing more on his hotel in Monaco than driving next season.

Both Toyotas and both Jordans finished the race. But only the diehard misguided fan noticed. Eddie Jordan is admitting that the team is for sale if there is someone willing to inject the needed cash to keep the yellow cars running. With Ford pulling the plug on both Jaguar and Cosworth, who ever buys the team better find an engine supplier and quick.

Minardi was also there, but only Paul Stoddard cared…

With only one race left in Brazil, not much is left to be decided. We can start focusing on 2005 soon and see if someone is willing to step up to the plate and challenge Ferrari. The only way I see that happening is if there is something revolutionary in their car's development. Just polishing the car will be no match for the perfectly sorted monoposto that Ferrari is running.