Schumacher wins Monza GP

F1 Grand Prix, GP Italy, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza

It was to be a close fight, as the title challengers were all three within the first two rows of the starting grid. The first lap was spactacular, with Montoya immediately challenging M. Schumacher for the lead, although closely not being able to pass him.The first stint lost Montoya quite some time, about 5 seconds to Schumacher, after which he had Barrichello in the mirrors.

Montoya however was able to regain the lost terrain, until a couple of backmarkers slowed Juan down close to the end, who at that time chose wisely to go for second position.

The RenaultF1 team had one of their most disappointing races of the year, seeing both cars out of the points.
In a challenge to be 5th in the constructor's championship, J. Villeneuve took a wonderful start to finish 6th at the end, just in front of main competitor Jaguar, with Mark Webber behind the wheel. Both their teammates were out of the race. Wilson did not come further than the start, where he crashed into Verstappen, and Button had a mechanical failure halfway the race.

Schumacher now leads the championship 3 pts in front of Montoya, and 7 point ahead of Raikkonen.