2000 F1 Review
Tragedy Struck During the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
McLaren appeared to have a faster car than Ferrari for much of the 2000 Formula 1 season, but Michael Schumacher’s talent ensured he was still very much in contention for the title. After his team-mate Rubens Barrichello scored his first Grand Prix victory at Hockenheim the Formula 1 circus moved to Budapest for the Hungaroring race.
Hakkinen Victorious in Hungarian Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher managed to qualify his Ferrari on pole at the Hungaroring, but could not contain Mika Hakkinen’s McLaren come race day. The Finn passed his Ferrari rival at the start and went on to win the race, with Michael Schumacher second. David Coulthard was third, before a large gap back to Barrichello’s fourth placed Ferrari. Ralf Schumacher finished fifth and Heinz-Harald Frentzen was sixth.
Hakkinen Outwits Schumacher in Belgian Grand Prix
The front of the grid at Spa-Francorchamps looked rather strange. Hakkinen was on pole, but alongside him was Jarno Trulli’s Jordan. In third position was Jenson Button’s Williams, with Michael Schumacher fourth and Coulthard fifth.
It was decided to start the Grand Prix behind the safety car, due to a wet track. When it pulled in Hakkinen led the field and pulled out a decent gap. Michael Schumacher was busy passing Button and Trulli. Button also tried passing the Jordan driver, but only succeeded in knocking Trulli’s car into a spin.
As the track dried the leaders pitted to change tyres. Hakkinen still held a comfortable lead over Michael Schumacher, only to throw it all away by spinning. He rejoined behind the Ferrari but, after the second round of pit stops, closed right up. Hakkinen attempted a high speed pass, which was strongly rebuffed by the Ferrari driver. On the very next lap Hakkinen attempted to pass again. This time Ricardo Zonta’s BAR was in the way. The Ferrari dived to one side and the McLaren to the other in a breathtaking spectacle. When it was all over Hakkinen was in the lead and Michael Schumacher second. They finished in that order, with Ralf Schumacher third. Coulthard could only manage fourth place, ahead of Button and Frentzen.
Schumacher Wins Tragic Italian Grand Prix
A Ferrari win at Monza should have been cause for great celebration, but the atmosphere after Michael Schumacher’s victory was a subdued one in the Formula 1 paddock. A multi-car accident on the first lap claimed the life of fire marshal Paolo Ghislimberti, who was struck by debris. After the race it was pointed out to Michael Schumacher at the press conference that he had scored the same amount of victories in Formula 1 as Ayrton Senna. The German driver was never one to betray his emotions, but at the mention of this statistic he broke down in tears, consoled by second place finisher and title rival Hakkinen.
2000 Arrows Formula 1 car
|
Latest Articles