He stood on the podium, holding back the tears - absorbing the enormity of his achievement in front of the thousands below him. This was a day to savour, a day on which records were broken; the day Michael Schumacher joined the pantheon of grand prix greats. From the moment the lights went out on Sunday afternoon, the German took the Hungarian Grand Prix by the scruff of the neck and subsequently cruised to a 4th world championship and a record equalling 51st career victory. "It has been a beautiful weekend and we have done everything we could," announced an emotional Schumacher. "I might be a good driver but I am not good at finding the right words to describe this - it is all too much for me."
With the grand prix circus returning from its three week break, expectations were that Schumacher would be on the pace once more around the meandering, high downforce Hungaroring circuit. Eager to put the championship beyond David Coulthard's reach, the German - having secured pole position on Saturday by an impressive 0.81 seconds, drove an impeccable race and coupled with team mate Rubens Barrichello finishing 2nd, added yet more silverware to the Ferrari cabinet by handing the Maranello concern a 3rd consecutive constructors championship. "A dream race with a dream team," declared team principal Jean Todt. "I am very happy that Ferrari has secured its third Constructors' title in a row and that Michael has won the Drivers' for the second successive year. It is fantastic to achieve this with a one-two finish and with four races still to go this season."
Whilst Schumacher's race was a fairly straightforward one, Barrichello's was anything but. Battling with the McLaren of Coulthard for the duration of the 77 laps, the Brazilian was a relieved second and happy to join in the celebrations with his team. "I am very proud of my contribution to this result," declared Rubens "I think the team and Michael both deserve this great result. I am proud to be Michael's team-mate and of being part of this success."
Finishing third, a disconsolate Coulthard was understandably downcast with the afternoon's proceedings. "Obviously I'm disappointed that it's all over but congratulations to Michael and Ferrari," announced the Scot. "I feel that I have improved a lot this season and performed at a high level but we have been unable to finish races consistently, which has cost me valuable points."
