Malaysian GP: Bridgestone race notes

Schumacher stays ahead in championship

A last lap overtaking manoeuvre allowed Michael Schumacher to maintain his run of podium finishes at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Last year's race winner drove a damaged Ferrari to 3rd place following a first corner collision with Juan Pablo Montoya, which saw the Colombian penalised. Nick Heidfeld was in the top six for virtually the entire race for Sauber Petronas and finished the race in 5th place, followed by his teammate Felipe Massa who picked up a point in just his second grand prix. Ralf Schumacher won the race for BMW Williams.

Bridgestone Results:
3rd Michael Schumacher
5th Nick Heidfeld
6th Felipe Massa
8th Jacques Villeneuve
9th Takuma Sato
11th Heinz-Harald Frentzen
13th Giancarlo Fisichella
DNF Rubens Barrichello, Enrique Bernoldi, Olivier Panis

Ross Brawn -- Technical Director -- Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

"Third place was a consolation prize at the end and Michael drove very well. We had hoped Rubens could be in a position to challenge for the win. Because of the problem with his engine, we told Michael to be careful with his car. Two-stops was the quickest strategy for us with the Bridgestone tyre that we chose.

Willy Rampf -- Technical Director -- Sauber Petronas

"It was a difficult race for us but it was right to go for two stops here. Both drivers in the top six is more than we expected and we are very proud to have done it in front of our sponsor Petronas. The Bridgestone tyres were consistent for the race distance in difficult conditions."

Hisao Suganuma -- Technical Manager -- Bridgestone Motorsport

"A podium finish and two other drivers in the top six is not a bad result in what was a tough race for everyone. Sauber did a fantastic job and Michael drove a great race to get back from last place after the start to finish 3rd. A two-stop strategy was the correct decision for our tyres at this circuit but obviously it wasn't good enough on the day. We will learn from this result and ensure we improve our performance for Brazil, where we are preparing to introduce a new construction."

Temperature Air Track Weather
Morning 28-34C 31-44C Hot, sunny spells
Afternoon 35-36C 46-47C Hot, sunny spells

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