In 2004, the Spanish Grand Prix took place on 9th May. Starting from pole was Michael Schumacher who had set a time 0.617 seconds quicker than Juan Pablo Montoya in the Williams, while Takuma Sato was third in the BAR, 0.787 down. Fourth but over a second behind was Jarno Trulli in the Renault.
The Italian got away best of all to lead from a perfect start. Jarno’s moment of glory lasted all of eight laps. When the Renault pitted, Schumacher produced one of his specialities, a super quick lap on worn tyres. The German only needed one more lap, posting two record splits, to pit, refuel, change tyres and get out ahead of the Italian.
Once in the lead, the man from Kerpen in his F2004 easlly pulled away and it became clear that his team-mate Rubens Barrichello was on a two stop strategy, while those around him were doing three. The tactic paid off and in the final stint, the Brazilian moved into second place.
For Ferrari it was the 64th one-two as well as the 170th win, while for Michael Schumacher it was victory number 75, which put him 18 points clear of Barrichello, his closest championship rival. Jenson Button was next in the BAR, on less than half Schumacher’s points, 24.
—- see video above —
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