The Monaco Grand Prix was the scene of several controversial situations. In 2004, the race at the ‘Circuit de la Principauté’ once again lived up to its image as the highlight on the Formula One calendar. No other race so far this season so seen so many retirement as only ten of the 20 starters finished the race,. BMW WilliamsF1 Team driver, Ralf Schumacher, who retired on lap 73 as a result of gearbox failure, was classified tenth, eight laps behind the winner.
The original length of the 78 lap race, over the 3.340 kilometre circuit, had to be reduced to 77 after an aborted start resulted in a second information lap. Nevertheless, the drivers delivered motor racing of the highest calibre.
Juan Pablo Montoya, in particular, stunned the spectators with some spectacular moves. Although overtaking is regarded as close to impossible at Monaco, the Colombian succeeded in performing this feat twice, when he passed Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello and Jordan driver, Nick Heidfeld.
His close encounter with Michael Schumacher, which took place in the tunnel during the second safety car period, was the subject of many discussions. The World Champion had braked hard and unexpectedly, and although Juan Pablo moved to the inside to avoid hitting the Ferrari, contact was made and the Ferrari hit the wall.
“We have presented our data to race control,” said WilliamsF1's Chief Operation Engineer, Sam Michael, after the race, “It proves that Juan Pablo lifted for more than two seconds. From our point of view, he can’t be blamed for this incident.”
Ralf was also involved in a tunnel incident, when Renault’s Fernando Alonso crashed into the barriers while trying to lap the German on the outside. “I’m really sorry for Fernando,” said Ralf, “But what could I do? I went to the inside early, however, he left some 1.5 metres space between us, consequently he was too far to the left and on the dirt.”
Due to his gearbox problems, that started as early as the second lap and caused his retirement on lap 73, the German wasn’t in a position to set impressive lap times in the race, while Juan Pablo’s fastest lap (1:15.395 minutes/lap 41) was the fifth fastest of the classic event.
Directly after the Monaco Grand Prix, parts of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's equipment were shipped to the Nürburgring, as the next round of the 2004 Formula One season, the European Grand Prix, will take place at the German circuit next weekend. Therefore, there won’t be any testing this week.
