Belgian GP Ferrari race notes

Eighth win of the season for Ferrari and for Michael Schumacher. This is the world champion's fifth win at this circuit and it is the Scuderia's twelfth Belgian victory.

Michael Schumacher
"Certainly the problems Williams had at the starts helped us, because I am not sure I would have beaten my brother off the grid. But we did not have to find out. I must say, I don't know where Giancarlo came from. He must have had an amazing start. Then, because he was slower than me, I was able to build up a very big lead, have a clear race and I am delighted with the result. I pushed flat out until the second pit stop, because I was planning to build up enough of a lead to make an extra stop if we needed to. I made one mistake at Turn 15 when I lost concentration. I was playing with too many buttons on the steering wheel. I ran wide and almost hit the barrier.

Spa is one of the circuits which drivers value highly, so it is always special to win here. I have a lot of good memories over the ten years of racing here. Now we go to Monza, where we will have reason to celebrate at home, whatever the result. But we want to do well there, which I think might be more difficult as the opposition will have a strong package for that type of track. As for Burti's condition, we were informed before the re-start that he was conscious and not badly hurt."

Rubens Barrichello
"I am not exactly feeling great right now and it has nothing to do with the race, as I am referring to what happened to my friend Luciano. I was not sure what condition he was in, but I still concentrated on the race. I did not make the best of starts the second time and Fisichella managed to pass me. That compromised my performance as he was also quicker than me in a straight line. Then, at my first stop, I lost two places. While fighting with Hakkinen, I hit the bollards at the Bus Stop and broke the front wing and so lost even more time at the second stop when it was changed. I also had a hard time with Alesi who was very quick on the straights. Luckily, at the end I was able to pick up two important points for the championship. Today, the balance of my car was not perfect."

Jean Todt
"I am happy with this win, which coming after victory in the two championships shows that our will to win is as strong as ever. A further cause for personal satisfaction is that this is the fortieth win for Ferrari since I joined the team. Briefly, the grand prix lost its importance as all thoughts were focussed on Luciano Burti and thankfully he emerged from the accident without any serious injuries. Once we knew this, we got down to work again. Michael produced a perfect race, but it was more difficult for Rubens, who nevertheless put on a good show, managing to pick up two points, even after he had to change the front wing. This win is Michael’s 52nd, which is a new record. It is a great present to celebrate his ten years in Formula 1. The entire team did a great job. The cars worked well and proved reliable on a tough track like this. The Bridgestone tyres also worked very well. Another cause for celebration is the fact this is the two hundredth Formula 1 victory for our partner Shell.”