San Marino: Schumacher

Grand Prix of San Marino, April 20th 2003

By Pete Vack
(Erik Nielsen is on vacation)

Pictures copyright and courtesy Ferrari Media

The bittersweet victory obtained by Michael Schumacher at Imola was reflected in the eyes behind the Hans-equipped helmet as he pulled into the paddock and in the deliberate, slow withdrawal from the cockpit of last year’s Ferrari F2002. Schumacher’s gaunt, haunted look stared from the podium—a task he did not have to perform-- and it was obvious that his thoughts were with of his mother, who had tragically died the night before at the age of 55. No champagne shower on the podium this time. Wisely, he declined the post race interview, allowing his friend Jean Todt to comment on the qualities of Schumacher the man, and to say what must be said. For Michael Schumacher, there was nothing left to say or do. He had done what no one could have asked, what no one could have imagined, and what no one, save Michael himself, could have achieved.

His brother too, showed the stuff true champions are made of. Ralf was on the front row with Michael, and drove a good race, certainly better than his teammate, to finish an honorable fourth.

In an earlier day, such men were called "heroes". Real heroes, not ones created by the media or politics or military expediency. In another age it was called having the "right stuff". Today we might say, "the subject has optimum DNA combinations and appropriate external nurturing necessary to achieve overwhelming success in a particular field." Whatever, it was amply demonstrated on Sunday, April 20th, at Imola.

The race itself was uneventful, as on a normal Sunday in 2002, just another perfect Ferrari team victory. Barrichello, as usual, drove an outstanding race only to be again foiled by luck, and a left front wheel that refused to mount properly, losing him six seconds an second place. Kimi Raikkonen again was the lucky one, running a beautifully calculated race which netted him second for a total of 32 points for the world championship. Juan Carlo demonstrated great speed but lousy luck in the pits.

Eventually Renault may be a force to reckoned with; Alonso placed 6th and probably could have done better. It may be that after several years, both the McLaren and Williams teams will run out of breath trying to keep up with Ferrari---and are about to be surpassed by other hungry dogs running hot on their tails. The fact that Ferrari showed a surprising amount of dominance at Imola despite a three stop strategy, Schumacher’s personal loss, and running last year’s car, must be disheartening to Frank and Ron.

For McLaren, the ray of hope must lie with the young Raikonen, who is beginning to fulfill the promise of greatness. Raikkonen started back on the grid, and almost unnoticed, worked his way into second position, holding off a charging Rubens with great serenity. Coulthard, who still has a bit of the tiger left in him, drove a good race but the spectre of Kimi has got to be hovering over his helmet.

Jaguar looked good in practice and qualified fourth, but Weber failed to finish while Pizzonia motored to 15th. We’ll let Erik Nielsen continue his comments on his countryman Jacque Villenuve in the next report. Suffice to say there is nothing to say about Jacque’s performance on Sunday.

Cristianio Da Matta, who has suddenly graduated to the top rank of racing and went from being a senior to a freshman, blocked Schumacher mid way through the event, and no doubt heard about it afterward. Welcome to Grand Prix racing, Cristianio, and the best of luck.

Toyota is still on a learning curve. But Da Matta has great potential, time will tell if the Japanese team will succeed. Is suspect they will if they stay with it long enough. Given enough time and money, the odds are good.

Renault and Jaguar have had the time, perhaps not all the money, but they too, must achieve some modicum of success or simply quit. It’s like war in a quagmire—one can’t pull out and admit defeat, while at the same time victory does not look likely.

In the meantime, we have been given the opportunity to observe one of the greatest drivers of all time. If life is a TV commercial, when you are old and gray, your grandchildren will sit with you on the front porch, and listen in awe as you tell them what it was like to see the great Michael Schumacher win his sixth world championship behind the wheel of the magic red Ferraris.