Suzuka 2003 - хронология

Because of the changing weather, the 5 fastest drivers in the first qualifying start far behind on the grid. Räikonnen on 8th place, Schumacher on 14th place.

Montoya starts from second position and is able to overtake Barrichello in the first lap. He manages to drive an incredible 2 seconds faster than Barrichello. Nevertheless he has to retire very soon because of a hydraulics failure. Shortly after that also Alonso retires and only Barrichello and team-mate Coulthard stay in front of Räikonnen.

In the meantime both Schumacher brothers desperately try to make up their bad starting positions and at least score some points. Micheal Schumacher loses his front wing in a collision and Ralf Schumacher spins twice and has 2 collisions with a lost front-wing on each. The second one is even with his brother. However Michael is not harmed in that collision and is able to score the single championship point he needs.

In the end, Michael Schumacher becomes a sure champion: Only a retirement of both Ferraris would have made Räikonnen world champion.