Schumacher Wins Japanese Grand Prix

Topics:  Japanese Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher

VOA Sports
October 10, 2004

Seven-time Formula One auto racing world champion Michael Schumacher of Germany led from start to finish behind the wheel of his Ferrari to easily win the Japanese Grand Prix.

The pole-sitting Schumacher finished 14 seconds ahead of his younger brother, Ralf who guided his Williams-BMW to a second place finish.

Britain's Jenson Button of BAR-Honda was third, followed by teammate Takuma Sato of Japan.

Michael Schumacher has 83 career wins, including 13 of his last 17 races. His winning time (1.24:26.985) Sunday earned him a sixth victory on the 5.8 kilometer circuit in Suzuka, Japan, and gave Ferrari a record-matching 15 wins this season. Ferrari teammate, Rubens Barrichello of Brazil, won the last two races - the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, and the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

Barrichello was knocked out of Sunday's race, along with Britain's' David Coulthard of McClaren, after their cars collided in the 39th lap of the 53-lap race. Neither driver was injured.