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| |  Monday, 8 July, 2002, 06:51 GMT 07:51 UK Silverstone drama was a delight
Bernie Ecclestone might not have enjoyed himself at Silverstone but the 60,000 spectators can have had few complaints about the drama which unfolded in front of them. Ferrari's fifth formation finish in 10 races this season was a triumph of technical and tactical teamwork but that shouldn't obscure the achievement of third-placed Juan Pablo Montoya. It was no coincidence that his Williams car was the best-placed Michelin runner when the top seven finishers were profiting from Bridgestone's more versatile rubber. Imagine what might have happened if Montoya's car had been on the same tyres as Ferrari. Of course we will never know. And it is important that Michelin shape up with tyres to raise Williams and McLaren to Ferrari's level and beyond.
But the contest was a gripping exhibition of all-weather racing by three drivers at the top of their game and the championship. The podium trio were the class performers of the weekend, lapping the remaining eight finishers. However frustrating it was for the home crowd to see two-time Silverstone winner David Coulthard slithering off the track, and Eddie Irvine, Jenson Button and Alan McNish all failing to finish, they witnessed the best race of 2002. Montoya's qualifying lap was Senna-like in its execution. A last minute, on the limit, personal quest to go where nobody else had gone. Consider too that the Colombian has now claimed eight pole positions in his first 27 grand prix. Even Michael Schumacher can't match that strike record. But the champion was flawless, hunting down Montoya at the start then driving on to the chequered flag to triumph without argument and in style. Ferrari's only regret will be the glitch which sent Rubens Barrichello to the back of the grid after his car stalled before the formation lap.
But what a recovery! From 21st to 2nd in the space of 19 laps in changeable conditions, the Brazilian looked like producing an even more extraordinary victory than his first at Hockenheim in similar circumstances two years ago. His scrap with Montoya, losing second place braking at Priory then regaining it within two laps at Copse, was a duel steeped in trust and respect. It was some consolation for missing out on pole and the result is a jump into second place in the championship. Barrichello also set the fastest lap of the race two before the end. As if that wasn't rubbing in Ferrari's all-conquering supremacy, Barrichello had earlier given a friend from his Stewart days a tour of the Ferrari garage. "This car is so good," he said. "But you wouldn't believe the development coming for next year's. It's going to be even better - much better." If Montoya likes a challenge, he's in the right place. And Silverstone proved its size. | |
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