Schumacher Wins in Germany

The European Grand Prix was dominated by Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, who both controlled the race from the front. Alonso made the better start of the two and maintained his position through to the second phase, but the lead changed after the second stop where Schumacher was able to push on for 3 extra laps a set some blistering times. The result being that Michael left the pit lane with a comfortable margin over Alonso, and cruised to the finish line to claim his 86th victory.

Felipe Massa drove well matching his more experienced team mates pace in the first stint. He managed to finish in 3rd and takes his first podium, despite coming under pressure from Kimi Raikkonen in the closing stages. Rubens Barrichello had a better weekend and bought his Honda home in 5th, while Giancarlo Fisichella collected 3 points from 6th position.

David Coulthard retired after a coming together with Vitantonio Liuzzi on the first lap. The Toro Rosso driver got tagged by Jarno Trulli, and was forced into a spin in front of Coulthard who had no where to go. Both drivers retired, and Christian Klien in the sister Toro Rosso pulled off the track later on with what looked like engine issues.

More engine failures happened over the course of the weekend, starting with both Williams changing power plants before qualifying. In the race, Jenson Button’s Honda let go again, and moments later the Honda in Frank Montagny’s Super Aguri expired. Mark Webber retired with tranmission problems, and both Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya’s engines failed on the same lap.

I don’t usually make a ‘driver of the race’, but I feel compelled to congratulate Nico Rosberg after an absolutely scintilating drive from the Williams pilot. After a problamatic weekend with an engine change and associated grid penalty, the super-rookie ran as high as 5th before pitting. He made up places with retirees and finished in 7th place in front of his home crowd. He had a reasonably quiet race, but Nico made up ground and did what had to be done and emphasised what the Williams can do when it is reliable and well-balanced. A superb effort that only underlines the potential of the son of former world champion, Keke.