Schumacher wins in Canada, Jos 9th
Published on 15 June 2003 by Huub Rothengatter
Michael Schumacher has shown the world in Canada what he's worth. Starting from third the German drove to victory. Only 9 out of 20 cars reached the finish line.
Montoya couldn't take the pressure and spun in the last chicane. At that time Frentzen is the first driver to retire from the race and Peter Sauber must know that the title 'best of the rest' won't be for them.
Montoya seems to have found his confidence in lap 10 and manages to overtake Alonso. Villeneuve is causing slow traffic behind him, reason for Minardi to get Jos in for his first early pitstop. This is a good move; after many drivers have been for their first regular pitstop Jos is in front of his team mate Justin Wilson. During Villeneuve's pitstop it is clear what caused his problem: when de mechanics take the wheels off they are covered in black smoke from the brake. This circuit is very tough on the brakes and the BAR has a brake fluid leak so he would not have made it to the finish anyway.
Both Jordans had to leave the track, they have not had a good weekend. The one stop strategy Ralph Firman was on did not coincide with what his car wanted. Fisichella's gearbox seized operating together with heavily smoking brake discs.
After the second series of pitstops Alonso is leading the pack followed by the Schumachers. Montoya is making his way up the pack although slightly hindered by a his right wing mirror which has come loose.
McLaren's tactical decision to send Kimi Raikkonen into the race on a one stop strategy seems to be working until he is overtaken by a part of his own right rear tyre. After the tyre change he is not able to make up to the front but he does have a good go at Rubens Barrichello.
When Alonso goes in for his pitstop Michael Schumacher takes over the lead. His brother Ralph is doing his best in trying to keep Michael from winning. Ralph's BMW Williams has the same problem as Montoya's; a loose wing mirror, but this time it's on the left hand side.
At the back of the field the drivers are fighting for position and we see Heidfeld and Coulthard retire from the race. Unfortunately Justin Wilson has to cut his strong performance short and Jos moves up to position 10. Then a bargeboard breaks away from Barrichello's Ferrari and Da Matta drives over it. A few laps later the Toyota drive retires from the race, but it is not sure if this was due to hitting that bargeboard. With only a few laps to go a World Championship point is within reach for Jos.
