Barrichello Wins Italian Grand Prix  [2004-12-September]

Rubens Barrichello won an eventful Italian Grand Prix in front of thousands of tifosi. Michael Schumacher made it Ferrari's eigth 1-2 finish of the season by finishing second, with Jenson Button third. While it was a dream result for Ferrari in front of their home crowd, it was a hard fought victory. After tyre gambles and first lap spins, both Ferrari drivers were left out of the points for most of the race.

With the track still wet from earlier showers, Barrichello gambled on intermediate tyres, while most of the filed stayed with dry weather tyres. Barrichello held first place at the start, while Alonso came through from fourth to take second, passing Montoya and Schumacher. After running over the first chicane, Schumacher yeilded to Montoya, and Raikkonen was also able to get passed. At the second chicane Schumacher spun, sending him down to 15th place. Barrichello's tyre gamble paid off for the first three laps where he was able to pull out an 8 second gap over Alonso in second. However, once the track dried, he was easily caught and passed by Alonso and had to pit for dry tyres on lap 5.

Button, Alonso, Montoya and Raikkonen all fought for the lead during the middle of the race. Raikkonen retired with a mechanical problem at his first pitstop on lap 13. Meanwhile, Schumacher was fighting his way back through the field. Alonso spun out on lap 40, leaving Button as the only one capable of beating the Ferraris. Schumacher soon passed Button and Barrichello was able to extend the gap enough to retain the lead after his third pitstop.

Sato finished fourth, followed by Montoya, Coulthard, Pizzonia and Fisichella. Button's third and Sato's fourth have helped BAR move into second position on the constructors championship, in front of Renault.

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