Brazilian GP Ferrari race notes

Schumacher triumphs at Interlagos
Sao Paulo, 26th March

A second consecutive win for Ferrari and for Michael Schumacher who took his third win in this event. It is Ferrari’s sixth victory here and its 127th in the world championship.

Jean Todt:
“The team did a fantastic job on every level to give Ferrari and Michael a second win in a row. I feel sorry for Rubens who was going very well. We had adopted a very aggressive strategy, with both cars on two stops. In order for it to work, we had to make a good start to quickly get past those in front of us. It worked. Rubens, who was driving a very good race had a problem with the high pressure hydraulic system. We slowed Michael in the final stage of the race because we were not sure about his engine oil pressure. The next race is our home grand prix at Imola. We are leading the championships. We know we have a hard season ahead, but this result will encourage us to work even harder.”

Michael Schumacher:
“We made an obvious improvement to our starting strategy. I was able to catch Mika but I did not want to take a risk too soon and of course he was not keen to let me pass. I enjoyed our battle. It has been a long time since there was a good fight and overtaking for the lead. On my second stint a tyre moved round on the rim and that gave me some vibration problems which upset the car’s handling. We were prepared to stay out for a long second stint but we changed the strategy. Towards the end, the team was not sure if I had a problem so they told me to take it easy and I drove very slowly through some corners, but I could have responded if I had needed to. It seems that qualifying third is a lucky position! We are looking very competitive and the season could not have started better. Our development programme means we will have an improved car for Imola and I hope we can get the same result as last year for all the tifosi.”

Rubens Barrichello:
“I am disappointed with what happened. The car was going well and then I felt that there was a problem with the hydraulic system, which affected the steering wheel and then it spread to the throttle. Michael made a great start, better than mine, but I think I showed I could keep up with him thanks to a very competitive car. I want to thank everyone who came to Interlagos to support me. I am sure I will have the opportunity to repay them with a victory. I couldn’t do it here, but I don’t think I will have long to wait.”