Home » Sports » Auto Racing » 2001 Canadian Grand Prix Race Report

2001 Canadian Grand Prix Race Report

© Max J. Davies

"I guess our Mum and Dad will be very proud of us" said Michael Schumacher. Earlier, younger brother Ralf had won only the second race of his career, but having salvaged 6 points, alongside rival for the championship David Coulthard failing to finish, Schumacher M was content with his afternoon's work around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. " If I have to be beaten by someone" said the German, "certainly my brother is the best person."

Having lead the race for two-thirds of it's distance, the defending champion spent most of his time checking his mirrors for the BMW Williams of younger sibling Ralf who, following the Ferrari's pit stop and with a clear track infront of him, took control of the race and showed that on the day, the Maranello concern did not have the best package. "It was obviously a great race today." said Ralf, "the whole time the two of us together I was waiting for him to make a mistake. Obviously he didn't. I waited for the pit strategy when I thought that we would go longer anyway and it worked out that way."

Joining the brothers Schumacher on the podium and for the first time this season, Mika Hakkinen was happy with 3rd place and collected his four points with a smile that has been in a state of hibernation seen since Melborne. " I am relived to have finally made it onto the podium," said the Finn. "It has been a really disastrous start to the season, so it's nice to be here." Not many found it hard to disagree with him.

Countryman Kimi Raikkonen completed a good weekend for Sauber with another impressive and mature drive to fourth whilst behind the 21-year old, veteran Jean Alesi was elated with 5th place in the Prost, ""The team has given me a very reliable car so far this season, especially in the last two races, which has allowed me to give my best," said Alesi. "These two points mean a lot for us, and they are well deserved." Rounding out the top six was a delighted Pedro de la Rosa. "I'm delighted to have scored my first point for Jaguar Racing," said the Spaniard. "The whole team deserves this point and I suppose it helps compensate for some of the bad luck that I have suffered recently."

Saturday's qualifying hour was dominated by Michael Schumacher who, having elected to venture onto the track some 29 minutes into the session, immediately set a stunning