The front row was made up of two of the biggest rivals in Grand Prix racing today, Michael Schumacher on pole and Juan Pablo Montoya second. Both will have been thinking back to Imola just a fortnight ago when Schumacher forced Montoya off the track. With a 180mph downhill run to Turn 1 this had all the makings of a thrilling race from start to finish.

The start was thrilling, but not for the expected reasons. Trulli, in 4th position on the Grid, is the master of the manual start. As soon as the red lights went out he thundered down the middle of the track and straight into first place. Montoya and Schumacher were completely surprised by him and almost ambled down to the first bend.

Jenson Button's BAR Team had tasked him with achieving a 5th place finish but by lap 8 he was still only 13th.

The regularly unfortunate David Coulthard's luck didn't change this time around as his pit crew struggled with the fuel rig as he pitted on lap 15. With the difficulties in overtaking on this circuit Coulthard, Button and Raikonnen all found themselves being held in traffic in the middle of the field.

On lap 27 Montoya pitted with a problematic front wing.

Lap 28 saw Coulthard pit and again the crew had problems with the fuel rig, costing valuable time.

Lap 34 and Michael Schumacher's car began to sound incredibly rough. It was looking as though his engine may give in at any moment. The problem was found to be a cracked exhaust which would seriously hinder the performance of the vehicle. But Schumacher wasn't about to relinquish first place easily.

Montoya made another pit stop on lap 49 and drove straight into his front jack man as the William's brakes failed. Fortunately there were no serious injuries. Out went Montoya.

Amazingly, Michael Schumacher held his lead which paid tribute to both the man and quality of the car. Button made a very respectable eigth. Trulli held his ground well throughout the race to finish a good third.

The final placings were:

1. M. Schumacher
2. Barrichello
3. Trulli
4. Alonso
5. Sato
6. R. Schumacher
7. Fisichella
8. Button