09/10/2005
NEWS STORY
Seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher had to use all his skills in this afternoon's thrilling Japanese Grand Prix to finish the race in seventh place, having started from fourteenth on the grid. The Bridgestone shod driver endured a series of challenges from the championship's front runners and a longer than anticipated second pit stop to make an adjustment to his car before crossing the finishing line in seventh place. Schumacher's two points proved essential as they have confirmed the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team's third place in the 2005 Constructors' World Championship. Schumacher continues to lie in third place in the Drivers' points standings after his main challenger, Juan Pablo Montoya, crashed out of the race. Rubens Barrichello had a less satisfying 12th place finish after an opening lap collision resulted in an off track excursion and a subsequent left rear tyre change. Of the remaining Bridgestone runners, Jordan's Tiago Monteiro finished ahead of his teammate Narain Karthikeyan and Minardi's Robert Doornbos and Christijan Albers.
Hisao Suganuma – Technical Manager – Bridgestone Motorsport: We are disappointed to have lost our home grand prix today. Rubens had a collision with another car in the opening lap, lost position and was unable to really get back into the race. Michael made a good start which kept him up with the front runners and taking into account his fuel load, we are quite satisfied with his lap times. The times were also consistent which was good to see in this afternoon's relatively warm conditions. Unfortunately, he was unable to make a stronger challenge today and as he also lost a position in the pitstop, seventh was the best he could do. However, it was a fascinating race today with plenty of overtaking and defending going on. I hope the China Grand Prix will be as entertaining.
Ross Brawn – Technical Director – Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro: Rubens got caught in the mess at the beginning and that made his race very difficult. Michael on the other hand got a great start and he had a good strategy. Unfortunately his car faded in the middle of the race and from lap 20 onwards he was on the defensive. We are disappointed to have lost out to the opposition in the second pitstop but we had to make an adjustment and that cost us time and a position. We weren't at the front today but I think everyone did a good job.