25/04/06
Formula 1, Round 4, San Marino GP (Imola) - By Shivy Gohil
Michael Schumacher silenced his critics by taking one of his most hard fought grand prix victories in recent memory. After Ferrari's dismal Melbourne race, Schumacher and team Ferrari vowed to win at San Marino, just a stones-throw away from the Italian outfits factory.
Chasing his first competitive win since Suzuka 04, it was a race to end his most uncompetitive period in Formula 1 to date, it was high expectations all round, but he delivered in style.
Taking his 66th pole position, he beat the late great Ayrton Senna's record of 65 on the very track he achieved it 12 years ago, ironically the day before his fatal accident.
The leaders barely made it round the opening lap, when Ide's Super Aguri car tipped Albers Midland-F1 into a spectacular barrel role and landing upside down in the gravel trap. Albers escaped uninjured, but was clearly upset with Ide's half hearted overtaking move. The safety car was out for one lap, but didn't affect the running order.
In front Schumacher started pumping in fastest laps, 10 in succession, followed by Button, Barrichello, Alonso and Massa. On track action was fairly low, due to Imola's lack of overtaking spots, the drivers found their rhythm and just waited for competitors strategies to unfold. First to blink was Button on lap 16, highlighting his qualifying pace was due to a light fuel load. As the rest of the field pitted, it was clear Schumacher and Alonso had a considerable amout of fuel.
Alonso closed up on a clearly struggling Schumacher due to graining front tyres, the gap falling from 8.5s to 7.2s to 5.7s to 4.6s between laps 28 and 31. At this point the race was turning in a repeat of last year, but the drivers reversed. The Renaults intent to take the lead was confirmed with a lunge on the inside of Tosa, but the Ferrari kept the door firmly shut. With both drivers fueled within 1-2 laps of each other, Alonso hounded Schumacher, driving his car on unconventional lines, to force the Ferrari into a mistake, but Schumacher was playing more than a defensive strategy which would win him the race. Alonso pitted early so he would leap frog the Ferrari, as soon as the Spaniard entered the pits, Michael went 2 seconds faster than the previous laps, Ross Brawn responded by calling his man in on the very next lap, minimising Alonso’s opportunity to make up ground, Schumacher resmued the lead.
The status quo had been restored, except that Schumacher, who had taken on a used set of Bridgestones during his pit visit, now looked much more comfortable with his Ferrari and was able to resume lapping at a respectable speed. Indeed, it was Alonso who was starting to look ragged, outbraking himself into Rivazza and then, as he geared himself up for one final challenge, getting into a lurid slide at the Villeneuve chicane. Once the Tifosi realised Alonso was having his own troubles, they cheared and started celebriting a Ferrari victory. Realising he would increase his championship lead anyway, Alonso settled for 8 points and decided to take it easy for the final 3 laps, letting Michael take his 85th career victory.
At 37 years of age and close to retirement, Sunday's race proved that Michael Schumacher still has the sheer determination to win at all costs. Drivers such as Alonso and Raikkonen have the talent and raw speed, but lack the experience of 15 years in the sport. The Germans race-craft, speed and intelligence were pushed to the limit for some 25 laps. Along with Spa 92, Barcelona 96, Monaco 97, Hungary 98 and Austria 03, this will be hailed as one of his greatest drives.
