14 April: It was the ‘little brother’s’ day. Ralf Schumacher won the San Marino GP in Imola, his first Grand Prix win in the 70th F1 race of the German driver's career. David Coulthard came in second and Ruben Barrichello won the third place on the podium.

The last victory for Williams F1 was three years and seven months ago (28.09.1997, Jacques Villeneuve, Nürburgring) and this is the marque's 104th Grand Prix success. And the last victory for BMW in F1 was almost 14 and a half years ago, when Gerhard Berger (Benetton BMW) won the Mexican Grand Prix (12.10.1986).

Ralf led from the first corner to the chequered flag. Staying about 10 seconds ahead of McLaren's David Coulthard throughout.

"I've been waiting for this moment for five years,” the younger Schumacher said afterwards. “It is a great experience and the result of all of the hard work that the team has done and it has paid off. At the start I also had a bit of luck because David missed his start and I did the same move that I did last year, but this time there was space enough. We had the strongest car today. I would have liked my brother to have been on the podium with me. We won thanks to a great package of engine, car and tyre, which were all very good, especially in race conditions."

West McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard is now equal on points with Michael Schumacher in the Drivers’ Championship after he finished second in today’s Warsteiner San Marino Grand Prix – his fourth podium finish this season. Mika Hakkinen ended the 62-lap race in fourth and moved up to seventh in the Drivers’ rankings. David and Mika started the race from the front row. Today’s result means that West McLaren Mercedes closed the gap to the leaders in the Constructors’ Championship to 10 points.

“At the start I had too much wheelspin and Ralf Schumacher managed to get past me on the inside,” said David Counthard afterwards. “After that, it was the most uneventful race I have driven this season but as a result of inconsistency in my tyres, also the most difficult. It’s good to be on the podium again and I’m pleased with the six points and my Championship position.”

Juan Pablo Montoya was disappointed at not finishing the race. "When I stopped for my second pit-stop I had a problem with the clutch and I could not get anymore gears. I went out of the pits but I was stuck in first gear and all I could do was drive back into the garage. We've been quite unlucky so far but these things happen. I am very pleased for Ralf's victory, anyway."

"It is a great day for everybody – for WilliamsF1, for BMW and of course also for Michelin,” said Frank Williams. “Everybody in the team has worked really hard and has thoroughly deserved this success."

Next Test:
Silverstone: Tuesday 17th of April Ralf Schumacher only. Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya.

Result
Pos. Driver Team/Engine Time
1. R.Schumacher WilliamsF1 BMW 1h30:44.817
2. D.Coulthard McLaren Mercedes 1h30:49.187
3. R.Barrichello Ferrari 1h31:19.583
4. M.Hakkinen McLaren Mercedes 1h31:21.132
5. J.Trulli Jordan Honda 1h32:10.375
6. H.Frentzen Jordan Honda 1 Lap
7. N.Heidfeld Sauber Petronas 1 Lap
8. O.Panis BAR Honda 1 Lap
9. J.Alesi Prost Acer 1 Laps
10. E.Bernoldi Arrows Asiatech 2 Laps
11. L.Burti Jaguar Cosworth 2 Laps
12. J.Button Benetton Renault 2 Laps
13. T.Marques Minardi European DNF
14. JP.Montoya WilliamsF1 BMW DNF
15. E.Irvine Jaguar Cosworth DNF
16. G.Fisichella Benetton Renault DNF
17. J.Villeneuve BAR Honda DNF
18. G.Mazzacane Prost Acer DNF
19. M.Schumacher Ferrari DNF
20 K.Raikkonen Sauber Petronas DNF
21. J.Verstappen Arrows Asiatech DNF
22. F.Alonso Minardi European DNF

Drivers Championship Points
Schumacher M. 26
Coulthard 26
Barrichello 14
Schumacher R. 12
Heidfeld 7
Frentzen 610
Hakkinen 4
Trulli 4
Panis 3
Raikkonen 1
Fisichella 1


Constructors Campionship Points
Ferrari 40
McLaren Mercedes 30
Williams BMW 12
Jordan Honda 10
Sauber Petronas 8
BAR Honda 4
Benneton Renault 1