Ralf Schumacher wins in Malaysia
Sunday, 17 March 2002 12:47
Germany's Ralf Schumacher has won the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur. Schumacher roared home forty seconds ahead of Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya, with older brother and defending world champion Michael grabbing the final podium spot.
"That was the perfect race for me - the car was just there. It was an easy game and I am amazed how fast car the quick was. I still can't believe it. I think we can be very confident about being on the podium again in Brazil because we were stronger than them last year," said Ralf afterwards.
The race got off to a dramatic start with Michael Schumacher colliding with Montoya and ending up on the grass with his front wing hanging off. Rubens Barrichello took a temporary lead in the race before Ralf Schumacher edged his Williams BMW in front to capture a lead he was to retain to the finish. Barrichello was forced out with engine failure with just 14 laps left, letting Montoya in to grab his second podium finish of the new season. Jenson Button looked certain to grab third place but was overtaken by Michael Schumacher on the final lap.
Elsewhere, the McLarens of David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen had retired by the halfway stage, while Jaguar's Eddie Irvine was forced to retire after a collision. Sauber's Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa came home in fifth and sixth respectively, with Allan McNish finishing seventh in only his second race for Toyota.
Micheal Schumacher now leads the drivers' championship by just two points from Montoya, with Ralf Schumacher two points further behind in third place.
Filed by Tom Grealis
