BARCELONA, May 4: World champion Michael Schumacher gave his new Ferrari a winning debut in Spain on Sunday as title leaders McLaren were reduced to mere spectators.
Schumacher, atoning for his worst start to a season, claimed his second successive triumph for the 66th victory of a record-breaking Formula One career.
In an unforgettable afternoon for the thousands of Spanish supporters, Fernando Alonso finished his home race in second place for Renault.
Schumacher’s win lifted him up to second place overall, four points adrift of McLaren’s championship leader Kimi Raikkonen, who crashed on the start grid and could not add to his tally of 32 after five races.
Result (race distance: 65 laps, 307.324 kms): 1. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari one hour 33 minutes 46.933 seconds (average speed 196.619 kph); 2. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault 5.716 seconds behind; 3. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Ferrari 18.001; 4. Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia) Williams 1:02.022; 5. Ralf Schumacher (Germany) Williams l lap; 6. Cristiano da Matta (Brazil) Toyota 1 lap; 7. Mark Webber (Australia) Jaguar 1 lap; 8. Ralph Firman (Britain) Jordan 2 laps; 9. Jenson Button (Britain) BAR 2 laps; 10. Nick Heidfeld (Germany) Sauber 2 laps; 11. Justin Wilson (Britain) Minardi 2 laps; 12. Jos Verstappen (Netherlands) Minardi 3 laps.—Reuters