26/09/2004
NEWS STORY
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, who visited the podium to collect the winning constructor trophy for the Italian team, has described Rubens Barrichello's performance in today's race as "perfect".
His hair, face and expensive suit soaked with Champagne, the Italian said: "Once again, Rubens has run a very important race. Good, perfect, without any mistakes.
"I'm very pleased for him and this is a demonstration that we have two fantastic drivers at Ferrari."
Ferrari's 'other' driver had not had such a perfect day, and would no doubt have preferred to have drinking Sangria, or even rice wine, in a park.
Michael Schumacher enjoyed the race from hell, or the kind of day guaranteed to maximise publicity for F1 and the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, depending on your viewpoint.
Having started from the back of the grid, prompting speculation that Bernie Ecclestone has once again called on the services of Turk Thrust and the Formula One Scriptwriting Unit, Schumacher managed to enjoy a moment with Christian Klien, a spin, a puncture and even fit in a nice battle with his former nemesis Jacques Villeneuve. You couldn't invent it, or could you?
Anyway, di Montezemolo, whose last appearance on the podium was back in.... when did you ever see di Montezemolo on the podium before?
Anyway, di Montezemolo, in a masterpiece of understatement, or perhaps reading Turk Thrust's carefully prepared script, said that Schumacher had been unlucky.
"Michael was unlucky today with the puncture," said the Italian. "But he has had a season that I cannot even say was unbelievable. It was more than unbelievable. I want to thank him for what he has done.. fantastic."
Unbelievable pretty much sums up the whole weekend, as executives from all manner of global corporations and industries tripped over themselves to praise their hosts, the people of China and the circuit. At times it was enough to bring a tear to a glass eye.
Which brings us neatly back to the Ferrari president.
"To win in China, such an important country and a new place for Formula One is a double satisfaction," he said. "To see so many Ferrari fans in the tribunes with the Ferrari flag, like in Italy was fantastic," he said. "We want to dedicate this victory to the passionate Chinese public.
"This victory is for them."
Oh come on Luca, even Turk wouldn't try that one!