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GP 17th-20th June 2004 - Sunday Ferrari press release |
Length:
4.192km
Number of Laps: 73
(306.016 Km)
Best Lap: M. Schumacher
- 1'11"473 (2003, Ferrari)
Record Pole: M. Schumacher
- 1'10"790 (2003, Ferrari)
2003 Pole: K.Raikkonen
(1'11."670)
2003 Podium: M. Schumacher
- K. Raikkonen - HH. Frentzen
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Jean
Todt:
'It was an incident packed race, with the early stages marked
by two Safety Car periods, caused by various spectacular accidents
which fortunately and most importantly did not result in any serious
injuries. In the end, it all worked out in the best possible way for
us. The team, the drivers and the cars were perfect. Our reliability
proved to be exceptional and I wish to thank every member of the Gestione
Sportiva for this. These results are down to their efforts and dedication.
Michael took his eighth win of the season ahead of Rubens, who was
very quick all weekend. After this race, he is now the only driver
to have always finished in the points so far this season. Indianapolis
brings the first half of the season to a close. It has gone fantastically
well for us, thanks also to the support of our partners, first and
foremost Bridgestone and Shell, but now we are looking to the future.
There will be enough time to enjoy these results when we are old...'
Michael
Schumacher:
'Ralf is OK and that is the most important thing today.
I was very concerned when I saw him in the car for so long. Then
the team told me on the radio that he was okay. That helped me big
time, because I could see how hard he must have hit the wall. The
timing of the first pit-stop was crucial. I took the lead as the
Safety Car went in, even though we have little time to get ready
for it to pit at this track. But, I managed to slipstream Rubens
and get past. We had a flexible strategy, Rubens on a longer first
stint and me on a longer second one. In the final stint, Rubens
was quicker than me as he had fresher tyres which is why he pushed
me very hard for a couple of laps and we had a very close fight.
I had to manage my tyres, which were marginal on blistering, getting
better once they had worn down a bit, so allowing me to push again.'
Rubens
Barrichello:
'I am happy to leave North America with sixteen points,
but a little bit disappointed as I felt I could have won both here
and in Canada. My car was excellent today, but when the Safety Car
came in, my tyre pressures were too low and I got wheelspin at the
final corner, which is why Michael was able to slipstream me and
get past as I could not close the door. I also lost some positions
in my first pit stop, but I was pushing really hard. I also hit
something on the track at one point at a blind exit to a corner
and felt a big bang. The car turned left and I though the suspension
was broken. Then after my final stop, I was able to attack Michael
on my new tyres, but he closed the door fairly. I am now keener
than ever to win a race as soon as possible.'
Ross
Brawn:
'An incredibly eventful race, during which our team and
drivers reacted correctly to the changing situation. The Safety
Car meant we had to react quickly to change our strategies. Rubens
was very strong all weekend and Michael managed his re-start well,
but I think that if Rubens had not had a problem in his first pit
stop, he might have beaten Michael. Our drivers were free to race
one another and we just told them to be sensible and not have an
accident. After the second stop, Michael had a heavy fuel load and
Rubens was on fresh tyres and for these two reasons, he was quicker
than his team mate for a few laps.'
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