Both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were on the grid quite earlier compared to previous races suggesting things are all perfect with the F2002. Both drivers taking the final chance to test the launch control system at the back of the grid. Michael Schumacher starting from the dirty side tired to put some rubber down in the morning warm-up and as he took to the grid he instructed his mechanics to position his car in an ideal position so more rubber can be laid down at the formation lap. Schumacher always thinking about how to gain an advantage even with the title won!

No problems on the formation lap and as the red lights went out both Ferrari’s were away well from the grid. Schumacher was struggling a little as Ralf Schumacher got alongside him but he held his line and younger brother backed out of it into turn 1 as Barrichello led them round on the opening lap. Montoya made a terrible start and was dropped to seventh, the Colombian banging wheels with Jenson Button in the opening lap but both cars appeared to have survived the knock. Both Ferrari’s sped away from the chasing pack at about 1 second per second as they drop the chasing pack and race on their own. Interestingly the pit wall is only telling Barrichello his gap to Ralf and not that to Michael who he can clearly see in his mirrors.

The order at the front remains the same as the Ferrari’s lead the way but the pace they are setting has dropped as they settle to run around the same pace as the third placed Williams. Montoya is soon to lose his seventh place as he runs wide ripping pieces off his car and allowing Raikkonen to attack him with a great move around the outside of the Williams. Juan again runs wide before pitting and is then lapped by both Ferrari’s as he struggles round the track in last place. The pace of the Ferrari’s begins to rise once more as the pitstops loom, Barrichello and Schumacher trading fastest laps.

And it is Schumacher who is in first after a 8.4 seconds stop as Barrichello sets a new fastest lap as he knows this is a crucial moment in the race. Barrichello is in the next lap and it was 9 seconds he was stopped for and he comes out just ahead of Michael who could probably have made a move on him but settled behind him once more. And once more they have to lap the Williams of Montoya.

The race was pretty much set in cement for the second stints and come the second round of stops it was a mirror image for the Ferrari drivers. Schumacher in first and Barrichello in the following lap, both stops identical and Rubens once again retained his lead from Michael. Biggest movers were the McLaren’s who both made up places in the second stops and are now in fourth and fifth.

The remaining laps of the race were reeled off by Barrichello without problems as both Ferrari’s once again drop the pace and cruise to the flag. But not before Schumacher sets a new track record. And Barrichello takes the chequered flag to mark a brilliant weekend for himself and Ferrari. Pole position and the win makes it a perfect weekend for the fired up Brazilian. Michael Schumacher was close behind but he was true to his word and made sure he pushed Barrichello all the way while not making it too hard for him.

The 1-2 was expected after the strong showing all weekend and with the 16 points the 2002 constructor’s title is secured the fourth in a row for Ferrari. Barrichello’s win puts him back into second place in the driver’s title and the Ferrari team will leave Hungary on a high. A brilliant weekend for Ferrari and one that showed that our rivals are still a long way behind the mighty Scuderia.