Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello scored his maiden career victory in one of the most extraordinary races of all-time in Germany today. The Brazilian triumphed despite starting 18th on the grid in a race which saw a spectator risk his life by running onto the Hockenheim ring circuit. Barrichello's gamble to stay on slick tyres, when rain 10 laps from the end of the 45-lap race left the track treacherous, paid off with a first win in his 124th race.
McLaren's Mika Hakkinen had to settle for second place after looking set for a victory that would have taken him into the lead in the World Championship. Team-mate David Coulthard was third after giving Michael Schumacher a taste of his own medicine at the start of the race by veering across in front of his rival. Schumacher collided with Benetton's Giancarlo Fisichella to crash out before the first corner for the second race in succession.
The German still leads the championship though by just two points from Hakkinen and Coulthard who are now level on 54 points with six races left. Britain's Jenson Button finished fourth for Williams after starting from the back of the grid when his car stalled at the start of the formation lap. Sauber's Mika Salo was fifth with Pedro de la Rosa sixth for Arrows, while Jaguar's Eddie Irvine spun out and team-mate Johnny Herbert was forced to retire.
The man who caused today's German Grand Prix to be suspended when he walked on to the track was protesting at his sacking by Mercedes, organisers said. The man, a 47-year-old Frenchman, had lost his job at the German company's factory at Le Mans on health grounds after 22 years service. He sauntered on to the track during the 26th lap, causing security officials to suspend the race until he was removed. He had already got close to the track at the start of the race but was removed by German police, who had not detained him. The organisers confirmed he will appear in court tomorrow.
(PA Sports)
