| Race Summary: Bahrain | 4th. April 2004 | |
| Hot, damp and a slight breeze. Welcome to the first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix from
Bahrain.
The new track boasts a fantastic 1km home straight and affords the drivers several good overtaking opportunities. The sand, especially in strong winds, could be a factor causing some difficult driving conditions. It would also cause greater wear and tear on the engines so the Teams have thickened their air filters to prevent too much passing through. After having to swap his engine, Kimi Raikonnen dropped an automatic ten places on the grid. He started in 19 place. Heidfeld and Baumgartner faired the same, positioned 18th and 20th respectively. The two Ferraris took there familiar positions at the head of the Grid. There was a clean start and everyone made it safely through Turn 1 which is one of the tightest in this year's calendar. Alonso, however, did have a minor contact and pitted at the end of the first lap for a new front wing. By lap 2 Raikonnen had moved upto 14th place and looked set to make a spirited challenge for one of the top spots. Lap 7 saw Ralf Schumacher and Sato in a tussle for position on one of the early bends. This resulted in Ralf having to pit with suspension problems. Lap 8 and Raikonnen's season continued on it's current course. His engine burst into flame and he was out for the third time in the opening three races. Lap 25 saw Ralf Schumacher collide with two members of his pit crew in his haste for a speedy stop. Fortunately, there was no serious injury. Lap 32 and Ralf was in the action again but this time it was Fisichella who spun off after the pair made contact. On lap 50 Montoya, who had been in around third place for most of the race, suddenly dropped back with some sort of problem. Lap 52 and Coulthard makes an unexpected pit stop. On setting off again, he never got out of the pit lane. His engine died and would not restart. That man Button drove a spirited race again and repeated his podium position of third for the second consecutive time. The final placings were:
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