Pole position for the first time and knowing that Michael Schumacher is right behind you into the first, very quick, left hander. Jenson Button in the refined BAR has come of age. A fantastic qualifying lap showed that given the right equipment he could take on the best.

Kimi Raikonnen's season, however, went according to form in qualifying. An engine problem on the out lap meant he came into the pits and did not complete a qualifying 'hot lap'. Once again he would start the Grand Prix from the back of the Grid.

As the red lights went out and manual first gear was engaged, Button made the perfect start. He not only kept pace to stay in front of Schumacher but managed to gain a lead on him. Coulthard meanwhile was clipping the rear of Trulli's Renault and losing his front wing. Montoya managed a tussle with Michael Schumacher which saw the turf churned but they both kept in the right direction.

By lap 2 Raikonnen had gained five places and was in 15th. His main aim was to keep the progress going without over-exerting the engine and making it another retirement.

Lap 8 did see a retirement. Pantano appeared to lose power and exited.

Laps 10 and 11 saw Button and Scumacher pit respectively. A long stop by Button gave the impression he was on a 2-stopper with the Ferraris on 3 stops. The speed Button was maintaining and the pit advantage showed all the hallmarks of his first Grand Prix victory.

The race remained fairly steady but gripping and when Button pitted again on the 27th lap it was evident that he was on the same tactic as Schumacher. Inevitably, the Ferrari pit crew's speed made the difference and Scumacher took the lead; remaining there until the finish.

Not the victory Button would have hoped for, but two thirds and a second in the last three races has seen his season get off to an unbelievable start.

The final placings were:

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