The exchange of positions between Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher on the final corner of lap 71 of the Austrian Grand Prix will continue to be discussed for a long time. Perhaps the last word will be given on Wednesday, June 26, 2002, when Jean Todt and the two drivers will have to present themselves before the FIA World Council in Paris. Not to justify the team orders, but the behaviour of the German and the Brazilian on the podium. Ceremony protocol does not require the drivers to climb the top step and be presented with the trophy awarded to him by the winner. And that will be the topic of the discussion. In theory, measures could be taken, from a warning to a fine, up to a penalty, even if the terms of such an event are not specified in the sporting code. Nonetheless, it causes quite a stir. For several reasons. The first derives from the fact that the story had Scuderia Ferrari as its protagonist. The most loved team, but in some ways also the most hated, given its popularity. If the drivers of another team had carried out the manoeuvre, the public would have hardly noticed it and the media would have treated the event as a normal racing episode. Let's not forget that Jean Todt could have chosen other, less blatant ways to push Michael Schumacher to triumph, even slowing down Rubens Barrichello's pit stop. But he opted for the more contested but less false solution. The first pit stop, among other things, penalised Michael Schumacher who, due to the safety car, had been forced to stop on the same lap as his teammate and waited for over ten seconds for the operation (tyre change and fuel) to be completed on his car. Probably if everything had gone without unexpected events, the German would have overtaken the Brazilian in one of the two stops. Instead, the moralistic stance of certain characters is quite funny to many. Patrick Head, technical manager of Williams-Bmw, for example. In the famous 1997 European Grand Prix, when Michael Schumacher lost the title by ramming Jacques Villeneuve, the English designer was also investigated by the FIA for the speeches made via radio with their drivers, during which they were warned that they would have to give way to rivals McLaren.
And a technician who was then in Ron Dennis' English team revealed in these hours of controversy that there was a real agreement between the two British teams against Ferrari. A well-known automotive weekly magazine also recalls another episode, concerning Riccardo Patrese. The Italian driver at the wheel of a Brabham-Bmw had taken pole position in the 1983 Italian Grand Prix. Patrese was asked to give way to teammate Nelson Piquet, who was fighting for the world title (and then won). Riccardo refused because he didn't want to make a bad impression in front of his fans. He started fast in front of everyone and after a few laps he was forced to retire due to the explosion of a turbine in his BMW V6. Strange coincidence: the following year Patrese had to change teams and moved to Alfa Romeo. Just saying, at the end of the season (after the Brazilian's success) the rumour circulated that Brabham had used fuel that was not up to standard. This is to say that in the sport, in all sports, there have always been stories of favours and gifts that are not always edifying. Ferrari, in this case, only made the mistake of making a cold reasoning, a calculation based on the scores of the drivers in the championship. And they were able to do so thanks to their technical superiority, to a car, the F2002, which is fast as lightning. But, not having the certainty of being at the top in all the races, he preferred to put hay on the farm. Many tifosi have understood this. They are the first to rejoice when a Ferrari wins. There are also those who have said or written that the founder of Scuderia Ferrari would never have acted in this way. However, on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at the end of the Board of Directors meeting of the Ferrari-Maserati Group, the vice president Piero Ferrari issues a statement regarding the epilogue of the race and the controversy it aroused:
"To those who have spoken of an Enzo Ferrari who would have turned over in his grave, I, who I think I knew him quite well, will reply that on Sunday afternoon I imagined my father up there smiling, while he watched two of his cars dominate the Grand Prix and two drivers obey team orders".
Wednesday, May 22, 2002, in Monte Carlo the scene is always the same. The only news is that the yachts are even bigger, that the cars are many and more luxurious and that the people are more numerous than ever. This Formula 1 that attracts criticism, which many define as boring, nevertheless attracts the multitudes.
Crowds around the paddock caged along the docks of the port, where the greatest curiosity is aroused by the McLaren-Mercedes castle-motorhome worth 10.000.000 euros. No whistle for Ferrari, at least for now, but several flags of the Maranello team in the wind, children dressed in red overalls and chasing drivers for autographs. Thursday the Monaco Grand Prix weekend will start, and it will also be the most difficult day for Michael Schumacher, followed by Saturday with qualifying and the race on Sunday. After the victory obtained in Austria, the World Champion will have to give a show of superiority over Rubens Barrichello over the long weekend, in this particular moment. What happened in the last race cannot be repeated, because otherwise real problems would arise, for the German and for the team, which would be called upon to manage another embarrassing situation. He, Schumacher, seems to be serene. He smiles.
"It's true, I was a bit surprised by the reaction of the fans in the A1-Ring. I didn't expect that. Because our strategy was clear, just as the philosophy and needs of the team that wants to win the World Championship are clear. I never liked winning like that, my career speaks for itself. But it was necessary. I must confess, however, that afterward, for a few minutes, I felt alone".
Aren't you afraid that the FIA, at the meeting scheduled in Paris on Wednesday, June 26, 2002, may take decisions aimed at penalising your behaviour?
"I don't know. It is difficult to know now what will happen. However, we can do nothing but wait and see".
And don't you fear a negative public reaction?
"Honestly not. If there is a dispute, in any case, I hope it will be limited to a few diehards. And that it is lower than the one we suffered the other Sunday. In short, I hope to hear more applause than booing".
Rubens Barrichello will celebrate his birthday on Thursday. What gift will Michael Schumacher give him?
"I never talk about these things in public. They are private matters. I don't even reveal the ones I do to my wife Corinna".
Very serious interpretation of the question, maybe it was better to answer with a play on words, but the guy didn't know how to seize the opportunity right away. And the goal for this race?
"Ferrari should do very well here, as on the other tracks. I like this track, it’s very technical. I hope to do well, to be faster than Rubens".
Here it is, the joke... Then he adds, replying to a question about his future, after 2004.
"How is that sentence? When the going gets tough, the tough get going".
On the other side of the fence, Rubens Barrichello looks bright. At the press conference, in the midst of Jacques Villeneuve and Juan Pablo Montoya, the Brazilian says that perhaps not everyone understood the reasons why the team asked him to let Michael through and in any case that it is better not to talk about it anymore.
"I have a fantastic car and I know I can do some great races. I don't want to get distracted by mental disturbances, I want to get on my F2002 and think that I can go fast, that I can win. We have two days of testing and the race ahead of us. The rest is not of my interest".
Ferrari brings four F2002s to Monte Carlo, plus a spare body. The two drivers will therefore have equal opportunities in a circuit that does not forgive mistakes and where having a reserve car available is always a great advantage. The Maranello team also thinks of the mechanics: a gigantic air conditioning system is installed in the tent where the cars are set up, in case it gets very hot. This too is a signal: no stone is left unturned to continue the victorious march that has already led to five victories in the six races held so far. On a circuit where Michael Schumacher won five times and finished fourth in just one race, on his debut back in 1992. In practice, out of ten participations, he either won or finished out. And Rubens Barrichello has three second places to his credit. Meanwhile, Jacques Villeneuve never misses an opportunity to poke Michael Schumacher. The Canadian says he wasn't particularly impressed by Ferrari's team orders, but finds his German rival's behaviour on the podium unacceptable:
"Even if you win and it doesn't go as you would have liked, you must be a man. Climb to the top step and take the trophy".
Coup de theatre, as they say in Monte Carlo. A twist. Those expecting a challenge between Ferrari and Williams-Bmw, or perhaps between Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, will have to wait until Saturday, when qualifying will take place. Thursday, May 23, 2002, the hero is Jarno Trulli, champion of bad luck. Always seen among the best and always blocked by some trouble. In five seasons of Formula 1, his best result came in September 1999, when he finished second in the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring driving the now defunct Prost. Also at the start of this World Championship he was ahead of Michael Schumacher in Australia when he spun off the track. Six races held in the season, the twenty-eight-year-old Italian driver has never seen the chequered flag. In free practice for the Monaco Grand Prix, during the final minutes, Trulli fetches the jab that takes him to the top, lapping in 1'18"915, at an average speed of 153.735 km/h and a top speed of 295 km/h at the exit of the tunnel. Not bad on a track where you just need to drool by a millimetre to take a hit against the barriers. Kimi Raikkonen, Eddie Irvine, Pedro De La Rosa, Alex Yoong and Felipe Massa understand this as they destroy their cars against the guardrails. Jarno Trulli says:
"I have anger in my body that rises from race to race. Two years ago here I fought for pole position with Schumi and in any case I qualified on the front row. This time I ask only one thing: finish the race on Sunday. And you will see that, if it happens, the result will be one of the good ones. I'm not one to let myself down".
And on Friday, during the rest day, just to ease the tension, Jarno will ride his bike:
"I'm a climber and around here [his house is 500 metres from the tunnel, ndr] I often go by bike. Every now and then I meet Cipollini. But never uphill…".
And that he's not the type to give up is certain: when he made his debut in Formula 3, Jarno had the car on loan from a team but no other help. His current manager and friend Lucio Cavuto acted as his mechanic. Both pushed the car from the paddock to the track for three kilometres, a couple of times a day. If the Italian's performance is not flawless, making Renault and Flavio Briatore happy, with two days of showcase available, given that Friday is partying in the Principality, the ranking behind him is strange: behind him are Allan McNish, who had never seen this circuit before, with Toyota, then David Coulthard, Giancarlo Fisichella, fourth, then Mika Salo, Ralf Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Mark Webber with Minardi (incredible, the Faenza team didn't get a similar result from the early 90s), Juan Pablo Montoya, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher, separated by 1.489 seconds. Such a situation leads to a series of reflections. First: there are eight Michelin-shod cars in the top ten. Second: some of the best try with little fuel in the tank. Among these certainly, by admission, the two Toyota drivers.
Third: among the candidates for victory, David Coulthard is the one in the best shape, among other things in Monte Carlo the Scotsman obtained pole position and the best lap time in the race last year. Fourth: maybe Jean Todt is right, defended by Eddie Jordan who says:
"I would have done exactly the same thing in Austria".
When he claims that nothing can be wasted in Formula 1 because things can change quickly. The only thing that hasn't changed for some time now is that Rubens Barrichello is still ahead of Michael Schumacher. Will it be random? The two drivers certainly carry out different tests of set-up and aerodynamic configuration. We will see. The fans from the Rascasse grandstand boo the German and applaud the Brazilian. But it is not an overwhelming manifestation. Michael Schumacher for his part responds by blowing kisses to the crowd, to try to recover his image. The comment of a driver who is truly at home in Monte Carlo makes you think.
"Monte Carlo is not one of my favorite circuits, I prefer fast tracks".
Says Enrique Bernoldi, the Arrows driver, who broke the engine during FP2, and the oil left on the asphalt caused the Jaguar of Irvine to slide and hit the guardrail. Both out early. An all uphill start for Bernoldi, but who last year stood out in great evidence on the Monegasque circuit for having kept David Coulthard behind him for 40 laps with the McLaren:
"A great satisfaction also because he had the fastest car, but despite this he was unable to overtake me".
Of the layout, he prefers the tunnel:
"When you can open and touch three hundred kilometres per hour, it's a pleasure. You feel all the power of the car, too bad it's the only part of the track you can go at that speed".
As for the car, Enrique remains confident, despite the difficulties this year:
"Unfortunately, at the beginning we weren't able to carry out all the necessary tests, but now things are much better and the results obtained in qualifying are constantly improving".
We will therefore see Arrows' placement on the grid on Saturday, while for the Brazilian driver the Monaco Grand Prix will be won by Ferrari and Michael Schumacher:
"Right now there's no story, I'm ahead of everyone. It would be enough for me to finish the race because this is a technical, very demanding, and difficult track. Looking at the World Championship, my goal is to score points as soon as possible".
Not an easy undertaking, but certainly not impossible even though, from the beginning, he hasn’t managed to finish a race. And about the retirements, Bernoldi has his own interpretation:
"If you're always among the last, there's nothing to say. When you are competitive instead and the car lets you down due to a problem, then you get angry. Fatality, bad luck, technical error, anything goes, but when you run out of fuel half a lap before a pit stop, you feel really bad".
As for many other colleagues (Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, David Coulthard...) the Monaco Grand Prix is the home Grand Prix. In fact, Enrique Bernoldi resides in the Principality and in his stays, albeit short, he makes the most of it:
"First of all, I'm not a lover of worldliness and late hours. I lead a very quiet life. Monaco is ideal for training, jogging and gym. It also has a fantastic climate and an exceptional quality of life".
Returning from a trip to the Aeolian Islands, on a 55-metre yacht, Mika Hakkinen, the Formula 1 super-retiree, gives himself up to the media for an hour. Not because he wants to be seen in the environment, but just to ease the pressure from the media who wanted to meet the former World Champion who lives in the Principality. So the blond Finn shows up early in the McLaren motorhome-castle, together with his family: his wife Erja and their little son Hugo, a smiling eighteen-month-old elf who looks like a Scandinavian child. Mika Hakkinen gained a couple of kilos, but he’s tanned and fit, doesn't say anything about it: neither on the Ferrari case nor on the crisis of what until last year had been his team and his second family. Although harassed by questions, the Finn avoids giving practical advice to his successor and replacement Kimi Raikkonen. Fundamentally, Mika Hakkinen hasn't changed in this. He spoke little then, and still speaks little today. How does time pass?
"I relax, I enjoy life, I try to live in peace and be with my wife and child as much as possible".
What do you think of the Spielberg facts?
"I was a little disappointed, but not surprised. It wasn't cool. But what Ferrari says is true. In today's Formula 1, not a single point can be wasted".
When asked if maybe he will go back to racing, Mika rolls his eyes:
"Believe me, I just don't know. I'm on vacation, how do I reply? I don’t think about it".
Not even the clarification of Ron Dennis, owner of McLaren, tickles him:
"You still have a contract with us".
And regarding the season of the Anglo-German team, what is your opinion?
"Ferrari is dominating. Maybe that lowers the interest a bit".
And Kimi Raikkonen?
"He's young, let him grow up".
In short, Mika Hakkinen can be missed on the track, outside he is always a kind of ghost. In the Principality it is said that the crisis is latent, that not all tickets have been sold yet.
The president of the Automobile Club, the lawyer Michel Boeri, identifies among the reasons for the disaffection not only the dominance of Ferrari, but also the fact that Formula 1 is closed in on itself, the motorhomes of the teams are bunkers, the paddock a concentration camp, fans of enemies to keep away. Yet the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix plan to redo the track, at least in part, at a cost of over 20.000.000 euros. Won't the prices keep people away? The last tickets available in the grandstand for tomorrow cost 400 euros, the (private) seats on the panoramic terrace on the track from 2.744 to 4.500 euros, obviously including refreshments and food, in the hotel, at the Marriott in Fóntvieillc, just to mention names, through an agency the room, without sea view, costs 1100 euros per night (minimum six), garage and breakfast excluded. A dinner at the Hermitage, 900 euros. And yet, even with these disbursements, and without considering those for the boats in port, it is always full of people. In return, Formula 1 offers one of the most exciting shows of the season. Qualifying in the Monaco circuit, 3370 metres of asphalt that is not always smooth, manhole covers, sidewalks, guardrails, wire mesh, concrete walls, is a race within a race, it is already worth more than half of the Grand Prix result. Whoever conquers the pole position, misadventures, or unforeseen events aside, usually wins. Or at least he has a good chance of getting on the podium to shake hands with Prince Ranieri. And on Saturday the show has a more awaited protagonist than usual. It's Michael Schumacher.
This time the German will be alone against everyone, he will also have to beat himself, emotions, psychological problems, and fear. Because the track is also a toboggan on which it is forbidden to make mistakes, where bending a suspension or damaging the whole car is easier than scratching your car every day in a municipal car park. And you also have to guess the right lap when traffic is low. The world champion will have to stay ahead of his teammate, of that Rubens Barrichello who has worried him in the last three races, and of the coalition rivals who hope to remove a few points from the enormous margin of advantage that the leader has in the standings. Certainly Michael Schumacher is not thinking about the fact that tomorrow he could equal Ayrton Senna's record of six victories in Monte Carlo. At the moment he has other problems, not least the one concerning his Ferrari, the F2002, which here for the first time since the beginning of the season appeared less brilliant on the first day of practice. All twenty-one of the other drivers, starting with Jarno Trulli, are playing it all. They must not forget, however, that Michael has already started from pole position three times on this street circuit and his worst result at the finish line was a fourth place. On Friday Michael Schumacher relaxes with his family, at a friend's house, in the evening he shows up in the paddock driving a scooter. Rubens, on the other hand, first goes up to the paddock where he presents his adored eight-month-old son Eduardo, holding him like a caring mother. Then he goes to play golf, engaged in the Grand Prix Open (a charity competition, won by Jacques Laffite), paired with Jackie Stewart.
"This sport is like Formula 1, it takes a lot of concentration, but it relaxes. I'm calm, I had the best birthday of my life on Thursday because I was racing in my car. In qualifying you will see a new Ferrari".
A lot will depend on the tyres. Obviously, they are asked: the ball on the last hole, do you throw it in?
"Leave me alone".
More stories about the Ferrari affair in Austria. On Friday, an English agency released an interview in which Bernie Ecclestone appears to threaten the Maranello team. Asked directly, Ecclestone explains:
"Mine was an advice. Pending the decisions of the World Council on June 26, it would not be appropriate for the Italian team to find itself in a similar situation. Then everyone is free to do whatever they want".
Meanwhile, an Austrian court rejects the appeal against Michael Schumacher's win presented by a private individual for manipulation of the finishing order and, consequently, of the bets. According to the court there is no evidence or suspicion that Ferrari aimed to influence the outcome of the bets. The Monaco Grand Prix is the race of doubts. If you start in pole position, if you don't have a collision at the first corner, if you don't hit the barriers, if the tyres hold up, if the tactics are right, if the car responds all the way, then you can win. Saturday, May 25, 2002, Juan Pablo Montoya eliminates one of the first dangers. In fact, the Colombian will start in the race in front of everyone: with a lap concluded when the sixty minutes available had already been exceeded, the Colombian driver scores the best time performance and sets the circuit record. His time was 1'16"676, at an average speed of 158.224 km/h, with a peak of 295.400 km/h on the descent after the tunnel, which leaves everyone speechless, including David Coulthard, who shortly before had savoured the joy of still being the fastest, as happened last year. So the seventh race of the season reshuffles the points of reference. Michael Schumacher has to settle for third place, while Rubens Barrichello will start in fifth position, also overtaken by Ralf Schumacher, the younger brother of the World Champion. A Williams-Bmw, therefore, then a McLaren-Mercedes, then a Ferrari. It's not hard to find an explanation for the rollover from what happened just two weeks earlier in Austria. The cars haven't changed much. The track that favours brakes, traction and, above all, tyres, is very different. If you do the maths, only the F2002s appear in the top ten with the Bridgestones: the others are fitted with Michelin tyres. One thinks of the controversy triggered by the four points conceded, by team order, by Rubens Barrichello to Michael Schumacher in the Austrian Grand Prix. Were Jean Todt and his men right in wanting to take advantage of the favourable moment to further improve the German driver's standings? The method is not liked, but the substance remains and could become useful. Juan Pablo Montoya said it:
"I had promised that. Here, although we haven't changed much on our cars, we've made some progress. Obviously I'm aiming for first place, which could relaunch us in the World Championship. I think I'm superior to Ferrari in the Casino corners and under braking. It will be difficult to overtake me. Among other things, I did very badly here last year, but I like the city tracks and I showed it several times in the American races".
The race, of course, will be something else entirely. The Colombian will have to deal with David Coulthard from the start, who does not hide his intentions:
"Tomorrow will be one of the most favourable opportunities to win that we will have this year. It is clear that I will try not to let it slip away".
The start, the strategies, the overtakings. These are the issues that the twenty-two drivers will have to face. At Ferrari, which in any case celebrates together with the president Luca Montezemolo, there are no dramas. Michael Schumacher explains:
"We immediately understood that we weren't in brilliant shape like in previous races. I had a few little problems, an electrical failure in the morning, a speck that entered my left eye after the second attempt, then I was also blocked by Montoya. But these are things that happen. I don't think we could have achieved pole. In the race we should be more competitive. If we won't, the goal is to bring home as many points as possible".
The traffic, during the qualifying hour, disturbed quite a few drivers. From David Coulthard to the very unfortunate Jarno Trulli (who doesn't cover a kilometre without finding himself in front of a slower car and in the end only conquers seventh place), up to Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian does not hide his disappointment:
"There was the potential to settle on the front row, but I wasn't able to get out on track at the right time. I just have to focus on the race".
The starting order and the characteristics of the track promise an unprecedented show this year. And who knows, maybe Michael Schumacher won't be able to regain the full trust of the fans with a show of skill and intelligence. Because courage and a heavy foot are not enough here, brains are also needed. Party guaranteed, therefore, in the Monte Carlo street circuit just as big clouds seem to gather over Formula 1. In fact, many rumours were circulating in the pits on Saturday. Some of these would give Arrows (which lines up Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Enrique Bemoldi) the renunciation of the remaining Grands Prix as imminent (perhaps already this week). Minardi would not fare any better. The same owner Paul Stoddart candidly admits during the evening:
"It's not good for us, but also for two or three other teams. Here everyone thinks of their own interests and instead in these moments we should all be more united".
In the meantime, Luca Montezemolo returns to talk about what happened in Austria, responding briefly:
"It was a painful choice, but one that is made only once".
Then the president of Ferrari speaks to Bernie Ecclestone:
"A long meeting, I needed some explanations. I've heard rumours of an idea of having three cars race per team, some have even speculated about fielding four. I think the measure has been lost".
But the Ferrari president mostly dedicates his time to his team, even if he goes around the pits early in the morning to greet friends and rivals, even shaking hands with Juan Pablo Montoya.
"Respect and esteem for the opponents. We never had any illusions. We know the championship will be tough, we have to play it race by race. Things can change quickly. Here too we had proof that each race is a separate story. It seems to me that our drivers have never been able to put in a really clean lap and we ended up in the middle of ten cars on different tyres to ours. I hope the Grand Prix has a more favourable trend. It takes a little calm and serenity. We couldn't even think of doing all the pole positions indefinitely. Schumacher a little nervous? I do not agree. He continues to do very well and to the best of his ability".
A moment to catch a breath, then Montezemolo continues:
"Michael was the only one to undermine the first ones. He gave it his all. We are proud that this is his 100th race with Ferrari and to see what a good atmosphere there is between him and the team. Everything works. Unfortunately we chose the most uncomfortable seat so as not to leave in the front row. But we'll see".
The anniversary of Michael Schumacher, who competed in his first race for the Maranello team on Sunday, March 10, 1996, in Australia, was celebrated with a chocolate and champagne cake in the Scuderia Ferrari motorhome. Cakes also for Rubens Barrichello (30 years old) and for coach Ignazio Lunetta (46). Michael blows out the only candle and appears moved by the gift he has received: a plaque with a list of all the races carried out with Maranello cars and a photo of all the men from the Ges (Gestione Sportiva).
"I too am proud to be at Ferrari, and I look to the future with optimism. For example: today you can win even starting from third place. The race is long and the previously studied tactics will be very important. Sure, we took a step back. At one point I even had the fear that the Renaults would overtake me too, that I would end up in fifth or sixth place and even further back. However, I don't give up. We need to make the best of this situation, and try to get some points, which will, in any case, be very useful".
Could Montoya's pole position have been predicted?
"Yes, because it was clear from the start of the season that Williams would be our most dangerous opponent. I thought I could perhaps overtake Coulthard, but I was convinced that we wouldn't have reached the 1'16"6 of the Colombian. A lot will depend on the tyres. Here ours went very well in 2001, now the situation has changed. It's useless to make references to the past in Formula 1".
Can he still think of winning only by himself this time?
"It won't be easy, but - as I said - I'll try. The thing that matters to me is to win back the hearts of the fans. Now the trend is to criticise me and to welcome me with boos. These are things that I had already tried in the past too. I try not to get emotionally involved, not to see certain exaggerated reactions. I hope that in a short time it will return to normal".
Juan Pablo Montoya is not a character of half measures. He wants to turn his pole position in Monaco into a victory.
"My goal is always to finish the race in first place. But this time I have particular, practical, and sentimental reasons to aim for success. The first concerns the standings: I have to make up the gap to Schumacher. The second is a personal matter. After winning the Indy 500 in Formula Cart and last year the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, triumphing in a prestigious race like this would make me particularly happy. And then there is also another factor to take into consideration. It's been a bit too long since I was on the top step. And that has always bothered me a bit".
The Colombian explains how he stole pole position from David Coulthard at the last minute:
"In the morning's free practice with the technicians of my team we had already studied some small changes in the settings of the car. And also during qualifying there was some change of details. And in the end the car was perfect. And I was also lucky, I didn't find a single competitor to slow me down on my fastest lap".
A provocative question for Montoya: this year the six races disputed have all been won by the Schumacher family, one by Ralf and five by Michael. Is there a possibility to change the trend?
"It would be wonderful to do it right here in the Principality. I have everything to finish first: the will, the determination, the car, the tyres. I think it will be a fun day, one to remember when I'm older. The truth is, I'm really hungry for wins, always. Unfortunately it's not just up to me. Last year I had already had a few in my pocket and they had escaped me due to bad luck or because something had happened, like when I was rear-ended by Verstappen with the Arrows, and I had to retire. But I have one advantage: I never give up. I forget about it after a few minutes and am immediately ready to start again. Let's say I'm starting from Monte-Carlo”.
Williams-Bmw, with Montoya, but also with Ralf Schumacher, McLaren-Mercedes with David Coulthard in the front row and Kimi Raikkonen in third, the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, not at all resigned. Are the first places already assigned? Jarno Trulli, seventh in the grid, doesn't give up:
"My car is fine. It deserved a place in front, not pole, but very close to the best. I found incredible traffic during qualifying, which is unbelievable. This is why I am convinced that I will be able to compete in a race capable of giving me the satisfaction I have been looking for for some time. You will see that if I cross the finish line I won't be out of the points".
Some hope also for Giancarlo Fisichella. The Italian driver starts from eleventh place, and is the first with a car with Bridgestone tyres, apart from Ferrari.
"There may also be some surprises on the distance of the 78 laps. You have to drive with full concentration. One small mistake and you're out. I hope I don't. I want to make a joke: I run in front of my bank manager and my grocer. I don't want to look bad. Seriously, Jordan is pretty competitive. I will defend myself tooth and nail".
Also because small teams need results. There are those who say that Arrows and Minardi are in serious economic difficulties but that other smaller teams also risk not being able to continue next year if they don't collect points worth a lot of money. The challenge is not only at the top, but also behind the lines. Sunday, May 26, 2002, at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix, David Coulthard overtakes Juan Pablo Montoya and takes the lead of the race. Jarno Trulli moved into fifth position, passing Kimi Räikkönen and Rubens Barrichello, also overtaken by the Finnish McLaren driver. Jenson Button has a problem with the traction control, remaining almost stationary on the grid and losing several positions. Due to the same inconvenience, Jacques Villeneuve gets stuck on the grid and, having returned to the pits, returns to the race a lap down. Right from the first laps, Juan Pablo Montoya and Michael Schumacher remain just a few tenths of a second behind David Coulthard, without however being able to attack the Scottish driver. On lap 16 Allan McNish slams into the first corner, having to retire. Seven laps later Takuma Sato, who was ordered to let his teammate pass, hits the barriers under the tunnel. The car of the Japanese, who had already been involved in a serious accident in the previous Austrian Grand Prix, continues out of control up to the next chicane, where it stops against the guardrail. On lap 28, in an attempt to resist Enrique Bernoldi who had overtaken him, Felipe Massa misses his braking point in the first corner, rear-ending the Arrows driver.
This manoeuvre will later cost the Sauber-Petronas driver a Stop&Go. Around lap 30, smoke begins to come out of David Coulthard's car at each gear change. The mechanical problem, which could have led the Scottish driver to retire, is solved by McLaren through the use of two-way telemetry, the use of which is permitted by the FIA starting from the beginning of the season: the Mercedes technicians change the engine mappings directly from the box, making up for the oil leak and solving the problem in seven laps. On lap 40 Rubens Barrichello tries to overtake Kimi Räikkönen but misses the manoeuvre and violently collides with the Finn. Both manage to return to the pits to repair the cars, but the McLaren driver retires as a precaution given the extent of the damage to his McLaren. Rubens Barrichello returns to the track in seventh position, however having to serve a Stop&Go for causing the accident and, during lap 44, a drive through for exceeding the maximum speed permitted in the pit lane. Again on lap 44, Michael Schumacher is the first driver of the leading trio to refuel. Three laps later, the engine of Juan Pablo Montoya's car breaks down, forcing the Colombian driver to retire. Ralf Schumacher is therefore in second position, who stops in the pits for his stop on lap 51, at the same time as David Coulthard.
The Scottish driver returns to the track just ahead of Michael Schumacher, while Ralf Schumacher occupies the third position. The three maintain their positions until the finish line, despite Ralf Schumacher being forced to make an extra stop to replace a faulty tyre. Behind them are Jarno Trulli and Giancarlo Fisichella. The last available point was obtained by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who resisted the comeback of Rubens Barrichello in the closing laps, who also set the fastest lap of the race. The German driver conquers the last point in the history of Arrows. Ferrari has found an old rival, who seemed to have disappeared from the closet of old stuff. But, on the day of the return of McLaren and David Coulthard, the Maranello team also had the confirmation of having the best car. Had it not been for Saturday's lacklustre qualifying, Michael Schumacher could have fairly easily won a race that Rubens Barrichello compromised with a messy start and a couple of unscheduled mistakes. The numbers speak for themselves, in favour of the F2002, aided among other things by the Japanese tyres which proved to be more than competitive over the distance. Apart from the six points won by the German champion (who now has a 33-point lead over Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, paired in second place) and the margin that has risen to 18 points over Williams-Bmw, the balance sheet of the Maranello team is largely positive. Fastest lap by Rubens Barrichello, the highest speed by Michael Schumacher (295.4 km/h) and above all a leading performance by the German. In a circuit that doesn't allow overtaking except on drivers scrambling in the last positions, Michael Schumacher was Juan Pablo Montoya's shadow when the Colombian was second, and David Coulthard's nightmare in the very long final part of the race, when the Scotsman took the lead. In fact, during the stops for refuelling and tyre changes, McLaren did well to probably anticipate David Coulthard's return by a few laps, thwarting the attack that the very fast World Champion was making. Then there was nothing more to be done: either the Scotsman made a mistake or Michael Schumacher would have had to take an excessive risk to overtake him. Better a smaller prize than a handful of flies.
Perhaps, in front of the television images, many fans found the race boring. It was not like this: the initial train between David Coulthard, Juan Pablo Montoya, Michael and Ralf Schumacher left you breathless: seeing the Formula 1 cars turn in the Monaco gut at an average of 150 km/h and with peaks close to 300 km/h is a breathtaking sight. And with four cars stacked together, the thrills just got bigger. Anyone who dared too much or made even the slightest mistake, after all, paid for it: the usual Takuma Sato who turned around at the exit of the tunnel while travelling like a missile and teammate Fisichella did half magic to avoid it. The young Brazilian Felipe Massa who first pushed his compatriot Enrique Bernoldi out of Saint Devote and shortly after went straight on to the same point, without brakes, almost knocked out by the blow. A textbook collision between Olivier Panis and Jenson Button, who didn't see each other, eliminating each other. Emotions, therefore, are not lacking. But the show was hosted by Michael Schumacher. In recent days, the thirty-three-year-old German driver had appeared a bit dazed. Different from usual. Perhaps the criticisms that reached him after the Austrian Grand Prix, perhaps a moment of tarnishing (it can happen to anyone). In the race, the German was a lion, the usually determined, confident driver. He used the necessary skill to touch the guardrails and his brain not to let himself be dragged into useless adventures. Only the decisive overtaking was missing, the one that could have led him to victory. He tried it with Juan Pablo Montoya and with David Coulthard, he showed up several times as a red shadow on the rear wheels of the Williams-Bmw and McLaren-Mercedes. However, the situation in the championship this time did not require hazardous moves. On the day of the return of McLaren-Mercedes, and of what - if desired - could also be defined as a defeat, Ferrari and its drivers had the confirmation that they possess the weapon to conquer the two world titles. The next race in Canada, on the difficult circuit of Montreal, will tell if the rivals have grown or if it was just an episodic event, due to the Monte Carlo track, where with these cars (automatic gearbox, traction control and a thousand other technical tricks) slipping an opponent holding the trajectory under braking has become a feat that would require the skills of an illusionist. Sometimes life repays certain bitterness or injustices suffered.
Last year David Coulthard, here in the Principality, had conquered a beautiful pole position and was looking forward to another success after the one obtained in 2000. Instead, his McLaren stalled on the starting grid. The Scotsman then managed to start in last position and set up an exciting chase. But he was blocked for about twenty laps by the Brazilian Enrique Bemoldi (against whom Ron Dennis sparked a furious controversy). In the end David got a good fifth place, but he felt cheated. This time everything went well for him. A perfect start, among other things in the part considered less favourable of the track, Juan Pablo Montoya slowing down Michael Schumacher, the Colombian who retires, the German caged by an impossible overtake. So David improvises a great party in his hotel in Fontvieille, which naturally ends at dawn, after the Scotsman, wearing the classic kilt, had already been to the Gala at Palazzo Grimaldi. However, his current girlfriend, the Brazilian Simone Abdelnour, follows him step by step with jealous looks. In fact, the fame of a great seducer hovers over the thirty-one-year-old Scottish racer. And, in fact, fame from Casanova is not exaggerated for David Coulthard. In a few years he had numerous acquaintances with beautiful companions, lasting the space of one night or a few months. From the Dutch model Andrea Murray, tall and very thin, to the hostess Emma Holland. Then Heidi Wichinski, the girl with whom he had the scary plane crash in 2000, when the two pilots died. Then in quick succession Lady Victoria Harvey and Heidi Klum. A brief interlude again with Wichinski and escape with the sex symbol Ruth Taylor. An adventure with Patricia Demoraes: stories of crazy nights of love in a camper parked in the Imola paddock are told. Finally, Simone, whom he met at a Naomi Campbell party. Coulthard, however, doesn't talk about women, he prefers to talk about his race, a fantastic day, which led him to victory number 12 in his career, number 11 with McLaren-Mercedes (one he had obtained in 1995 with Williams -Renault).
"For me the result is absolutely incredible. I cannot even give the idea of the happiness I feel. We had such a difficult start to the season that it nullified all the great work done by the team. But I had to give 100% of myself. After taking the lead, I was under pressure for 78 laps, without a breather. I even drank all the water I had in the bottle inside the car. And it wasn't small. The problem is that this track does not allow you to make the slightest mistake. In an instant you are against the very hard barriers, where dreams end".
The McLaren driver also had a few moments of fear, due to a strange smoke that was released from the rear end of the car.
"It happened from lap 30 and I also lost some power from the engine. I called the pits over the radio, but the technicians told me to be calm, to push, that there were no problems. Luckily it was true. To be honest, however, this was a success brought about by a particular situation. I think it will be unlikely to win any more races this year. But that's exactly why I enjoy the moment".
Ron Dennis reveals that Michael Schumacher's pace after his only pit stop surprised the McLaren team, but also convinced the technicians to anticipate that of David Coulthard, to avoid the Scotsman being overtaken during the pit stop. A right move that saved the result. And to think that in recent weeks around McLaren there were rumours about a possible departure of the Scottish driver. In any case, just in the last few hours, the team has signed an official agreement as test driver with Jean Alesi. The Frenchman will have to lend a hand to David Coulthard to improve the car. Meanwhile, seeing Michael Schumacher happy with second place after many, vain, frustrating overtaking attempts (on the track and in the pits with an early pit stop) is an event that deserves some explanation.
"I scored precious points, which allow me to increase the gap in the standings over the two Williams. The car performed well and proved to be faster than the others, a pity that overtaking is practically impossible here. It was still fun to keep up with Montoya and Coulthard".
Fun? The German's expression is sincere. It seems that he really enjoyed racing with the handbrake on so as not to collide with his rivals. What Michael Schumacher fails to underline is the newfound feeling with the fans: two weeks after Zeltweg's boos, applause was heard again. They were partly for David Coulthard, winner, at home in Monte Carlo, partly for Ferrari and its number one, testified by the red flags. Second place has never been more appropriate: it's nice without questioning the leadership of the World Championship. For statistics, the World Champion has been on the podium for 30 consecutive races (retirements aside).
"I left Zeltweg's controversies in the pits. I tried to win in every way, from the start to the penultimate corner of the race. I pressed David, I put pressure on him to make a mistake. Well done to him for never making mistakes".
Bravo and just as lucky, after an unfortunate start to the season: in the first part of the race, the Mercedes engine of the McLaren occasionally exhaled blue clouds - burnt oil - which seemed to announce a breakdown.
"I noticed it, and I warned the team by radio, because it seemed like a good opportunity".
Ascertained that it was a false alarm, Ferrari attempted to overtake in the pits: they brought the pit stop forward by a few laps and sent the German back onto the track in the hope that he would find a clear road. And Michael Schumacher, for a while, thought he could do it.
"I recovered a few seconds, then I found traffic: all drivers were correct, for goodness’ sake, but I wasted time. Coulthard had tyre problems at the start. When he solved them, he built up a decent lead, while I was slowed down by Montoya. Furthermore, our pit stop was slower than McLaren's".
Ferrari's real problem in Monte Carlo was on Saturday. Why was the Maranello car not as fast in qualifying as it was in the race? Schumacher blames the tyres, which were excellent in the race, especially in terms of duration, slower on a single lap on Saturday. Not a minor problem in Monte-Carlo.
"Something like this happened in Austria. The gap between Rubens and my brother Ralf increased during the Grand Prix. It seems that this is becoming a rule. We could have won, of course, the Ferraris did the best laps: starting from the front row, there would have been no story".
What was the first thing you said to David Coulthard?
"Finally. I'm happy for him. And for me too, because he's further back in the standings".
Scuderia Ferrari increases its lead in the Constructors' World Championship standings: despite having only brought one driver into the points, Williams-Bmw loses another two points (72 to 54 the score after seven Grands Prix). Rubens Barrichello didn’t do well, seventh, with a bad knee. The Brazilian driver made numerous mistakes and was given two penalties. Let's start with the two positions lost at the start:
"I was fifth on the grid. Trulli and Raikkonen passed me. To set off, we drivers just have to press a button and release it when the red lights go out. Unfortunately I had an excess of traction control".
Translated: the electronic system that reduces power to keep the tyres from spinning has gone a bit over the top.
"I stood almost still; I couldn't help it".
The accident?
"I had slowed down to pass Raikkonen by surprise, since I was 3 seconds faster. He closed a little late, I was convinced I'd pass him, and I bumped into him".
A penalty followed, a ten second Stop&Go.
"I returned to the pits so angry that I made a mistake: I restarted by engaging second gear, so the speed limiter didn't engage".
Exceeding 60 km/h in the pits cost him the second penalty: the drive through.
"I had to go through the pit lane again, definitively losing the possibility of scoring points".
Like Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello also underlines the inferiority of the tyres in qualifying:
"The other teams focused on Saturday, we focused on Sunday. With experience you learn. Too bad, our car could have won. In any case, I'm going out with my head held high because the fastest lap of the race was mine".
The Brazilian driver speaks badly of the circuit:
"It's boring, you can't overtake, it doesn't give you the chance to express yourself to the fullest. The first part of the season is gone and I find myself with just six points. Well, from Canada we can change this: I will have a great second half".
Not far away, Jean Todt feigns amazement, in front of a few notebooks from a placid press conference at the end of the Grand Prix.
"I see fewer people than usual, is second place perhaps a negative result?"
Only two weeks ago, a few hours after the one-two obtained in Spielberg, he had to stem the wave of popular indignation for having ordered Rubens Barrichello to give way to his teammate. Today the managing director of the Ferrari sports management talks calmly about technical issues.
"We were faster, but you can't overtake here. Otherwise we would have won. Defeat attracts sympathy, manifest superiority allows you to sleep peacefully".
Is it a reconciliation with the Ferrari public?
"The fans react emotionally. One day they are satisfied, another disappointed. These are episodes, life is made up of episodes. I would like to avoid taking stock of the Austrian Grand Prix every two weeks. Our team spirit leads to trying to win the World Championship, for this reason certain race strategies are adopted. I'm sorry that not everyone has understood that".
The potential of the F2002 only yielded six points.
"Yes, it's not much. But there are positive aspects: we have increased our lead in both the drivers' and constructors' standings. Our two cars have once again proven themselves to be reliable. This year we have always been on the podium, and it is the first time that the F2002 hasn't won".
What about Michael Schumacher's race?
"Perfect, he didn’t make a single mistake".
Rubens Barrichello?
"After qualifying, a difficult task awaited him, then he lost a couple of positions at the start and from there the race got complicated, up to the two penalties. I'm sorry for him: in the final stages he could have scored a nice point, but he wasn't able to overtake Frentzen due to the characteristics of the Monte-Carlo circuit".
Which opponents do you fear the most?
"The standings say that the Williams are 18 points behind, the McLarens 48 points".
Seeing that Coulthard's engine was smoking abnormally, what did the Ferrari engineers think?
"I will never wish anyone to have a technical problem in the race. I noticed it from the monitors and waited to see what happened".
Ron Dennis, delighted with David Coulthard's success, preaches calm.
"It was nice to get back to winning ways, but for now we live day to day, race by race. The real McLaren, ready to fight for the title, you will only see it next year. We are already working hard on it".
The owner of the Anglo-German team knows very well that Ferrari remains faster and therefore stronger. But, while waiting for the new headquarters built in England, called Paragon, to become 100% operational, McLaren is already developing the 2003 car.
"Although we will continue to work on the MP4/17. I am convinced that our drivers, and David in particular, will still give us some satisfaction before the end of the championship".
Anyway, in the Maranello team attention is not lowered, even though the result does not leave sour mouths, in consideration of the fact that the second place of Michael Schumacher allows to increase the advantage, in terms of points, in the standings of the Constructors' World Championship and in that of the Drivers’ on the immediate pursuers. Luca Badoer will be on track at Silverstone from Tuesday, May 28, 2002, with the F2002, Rubens Barrichello will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, while tests continue at Monza with Luciano Burti driving the F2001 with which he will continue developing tyres for fast tracks. During these three days, the Ferrari technicians will also let the drivers test some new features for the next race, the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, where Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello want to take immediate revenge. It is clear that the Maranello team does not reveal which sector of the car these innovations or modifications or evolutions will concern. Perhaps an even slightly more powerful engine for qualifying or aerodynamic elements. The fact remains that they always try to progress, that they don't take anything for granted. Aside from the exploits of McLaren-Mercedes in Monte Carlo, Williams-Bmw remains the most formidable opponent, even if it must be emphasised that Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher are stealing points away from each other. In Canada there will also be a new Honda engine to equip Jordan and BAR, but it is unlikely that these two teams will be able to take such a step forward as to worry the leaders of the class. In Montreal, among other things, Michael Schumacher has a favourable tradition, with four victories and three second places. However last year, thanks to the Michelin tyres, his brother Ralf prevailed on the Isle of Notre Dame track with a clear margin of advantage.
"We are counting on the eighth round of the World Championship to relaunch us. I think our car will be very competitive on the Canadian circuit. Ferrari will have to work hard to try and beat us".
Ralf Schumacher's optimism is also the result of the win obtained by David Coulthard in Monte Carlo. The Scotsman and McLaren-Mercedes have shown that Ferrari, at least in particular conditions, is not unbeatable. So now everyone is psychologically recharged. Just two weeks ago someone claimed that the championship was already over, that it would be a walk in the park for the Maranello team. Instead the challenge has reignited, although Michael Schumacher is 33 points ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya and his brother Ralf Schumacher. In Spielberg, Jean Todt had said:
"Everything can change quickly".
And now Williams-Bmw and McLaren-Mercedes also believe that.