Austrian GP: Bridgestone race notes

Ferrari takes second 1-2 of the season

Michael Schumacher won the Austrian Grand Prix for the first time, completing a clean sheet of victories at the current Formula 1 circuits. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver took victory almost on the line from his team-mate Rubens Barrichello, to whom Michael gave his winner's trophy and the top step on the podium. Also in the points for Bridgestone was Giancarlo Fisichella who scored the first points of the season for DHL Jordan Honda and the Japanese engine manufacturer.

After an excellent start for both Ferrari drivers, they had built up a massive lead by the 24th lap, trading new lap records between them, but the appearance of the safety car following a spin by Olivier Panis' car on the start-finish straight saw the gap cut. A lap later a safety car was back on the track following a high-speed collision between Nick Heidfeld and Takuma Sato, the German's Sauber Petronas crashing backwards into the side of the DHL Jordan Honda at turn 2. Takuma's condition was described later as "fine" by his team.

Bridgestone Results:

1st Michael Schumacher; 2nd Rubens Barrichello; 5th Giancarlo Fisichella; 10th Jacques Villeneuve; 11th Heinz-Harald Frentzen; DNF Nick Heidfeld; Takuma Sato; Olivier Panis; Felipe Massa; Enrique Bernoldi.

Ross Brawn - Technical Director - Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

"We had such an advantage today that we were able to control the drivers and look after the cars. The Bridgestone tyres were excellent and performed consistently throughout the race."

Gary Anderson - Head of Race and Test Engineering - DHL Jordan Honda

"Obviously, we are delighted to get our first points. Giancarlo drove very well - it is the first time in six races that we have had a reasonable run. The tyres were consistent. Giancarlo was being put under some pressure at the end and had to push the tyres so it was good to see them holding up so well. Takuma has got some bruising and was taken to hospital to be checked out fully."

Hisao Suganuma - Technical Manager - Bridgestone Motorsport

"Congratulations to Ferrari for a very strong race. Another one-two for cars on Bridgestone tyres is a fantastic result for us and demonstrates the quality of the specifications we brought here. The tyre performance was excellent, they were quick and consistent. Unfortunately there were a lot of incidents in the race in which some of our cars were caught up, otherwise I think we could have had more in the points today. On behalf of Bridgestone, I would like to send our best wishes to Takuma and hope he recovers quickly."

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