Perfect vehicle, excellent driver, extraordinary team, exceptional tyres. A superlative combination that has permitted "Schumi" to win the Grand Prix of Magny Cours and with that the 2002 Formula One World Championship.

A victory that was wanted and sought after with strength and determination, a grand result, which, in the words of Jean Todt (General Manager of the Team) "bears witness to the work, the constancy and the determination with which the team has taken on the season".

A victory that was so expected that it was almost taken for granted, but at the same time fought for and achieved at the last minute: only four circuits from the finish line the Ferrari champion of the world grasped the victory from McLaren's Finnish Kimi Raikonnen, who was leading till that moment. Just a small but fatal mistake permitted the overtaking that gave Schumacher the 61st victory of his career, thus obtaining the third consecutive Ferrari world title (Michael won the other two in 1994 and in1995 on Benetton).

Giovanni Agnelli also expressed great satisfaction. "It was an exhilarating competition, with its bit of luck added, making it all ore beautiful, a victory for Italian colours and industry all over the world". He also makes the greatest wish for Schumacher: "to become the greatest driver of all times, surpassing Fangio's legend".

Michael Schumacher

Born in Hürth-Hermulheim, in Germany, the 3rd January 1969. A husband and father to two children, 5 and 3 years old, Schumacher lives with his family in Switzerland, in Vufflens-le-Chateau. He started racing in Mercedes, noted just 21 years old by the junior team. His Formula 1 debut, in 1991, he owes it to Eddie Jordan, who called him to substitute Bertrand Gachot during the Grand Prix in Belgium. Thus his career of victories and millionaire jobs started: in that same year Benetton required him for the last four races, confirming him later as main driver in 1992. He stays with the Treviso based team until 1995; in the next year the passage to Ferrari takes place.

All the figures of the Maranello hero

5 drivers world titles won
6 victories on the Magny-Cours circuit
9 races won over the 11 of the 2002 World Championship
16 consecutive World Prix where Michael has obtained points
61 victories in his career
96 points conquered in the "Drivers Championship"
128 points conquered in the "Constructors Championship"
140 days and 11 races to conquer the fifth title
897 points in his career

(Photo: Press Office Ferrari)

July.2002

Ferrari website
Michael Schumacher
Jean Todt