SAN MARINO GP: FERRARIS 2ND & 3RD
Imola, Sunday 26th April

Both Ferrari F 300 on the podium of the San Marino Grand Prix with Michael Schumacher second and Eddie Irvine third, just as they were last year. Michael was third at the start with Eddie fifth behind Villeneuve and they both moved up one place on lap 17. Coulthard, Schumacher and Villeneuve all pitted in that order on lap 26, while Irvine and Frentzen did the same one lap later. This allowed the Irishman to come out ahead of Villeneuve and move into third place, when the order was Coulthard, Schumacher, Irvine, Villeneuve, Alesi and Frentzen. Lap 44 saw the second pit-stops for Coulthard, Irvine and Villeneuve, their positions remaining unchanged. Schumacher pitted on the next lap. From this point the positions did not change.

Jean Todt
"It is great to have got both cars onto the podium for the San Marino Grand Prix, in front of all our fans and the staff of our motor sport department. We want to win and although this was a hard fought second place, it is not completely satisfying, given that we want to fight for the title. Michael drove a great race and as usual, he never gave up. Eddie did a great job of keeping Villeneuve behind him. Our F 300 proved to be reliable and the team worked very well. We must work hard to improve the car and the tyres as we are still lacking something to be at the top."

Michael Schumacher
"I pushed right to the end because I do not give up until the chequered flag, but I knew Davis was cruising. There is no reason why we cannot continue getting on the podium but I would rather be in the middle and I think we can get there quite soon. I wish I could have done more for the tifosi. The soft Goodyear tyres were the perfect choice. To be honest I would have finished third in normal circumstances but luckily one McLaren dropped out. For the next race in Spain we test there next week and we will have many new things to try on the car. No we need a big step forward from the tyres."

Eddie Irvine
"At the start Jacques beat me off the line and he was quite quick at first, but then I was able to catch him easily. The boys did a great job in the pit-stop and I was able to build up a gap. But then I lost the rear end braking for the first chicane, which cost me four seconds and Jacques caught me again. The second stop, which I made early, was also very good and from then on I was able to manage the gap. I thought he might catch me but I knew he would not get past. My big problem is still with my back which goes into spasm after about five laps. It was uncomfortable and distracting."

Chassis : Schumacher no. 186, Irvine no. 185 Temps : Air 24 C, track 32-34 C

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