Finally it’s official. After months of speculation Michael Schumacher announced during today’s post-race press conference that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season. Schumacher thanked his family, friends and teams past and present.
Although widely predicted, this confirmation of Schumacher’s decision will allow Ferrari to firm up their plans for the future. Currently Felipe Massa does not have a contract beyond the end of this year and Schumacher’s replacement–most likely Kimi Raikkonen–has not been announced. If Ferrari had waited much longer it is possible that these drivers might have got tired of waiting and found alternative positions for next year.
Posted: Sunday, September 10th, 2006
Michael Schumacher’s win at Ferrari’s home Grand Prix in Monza moves him to within two points of Fernando Alonso in the title chase with three races left to run.
Alonso had to start from mid-pack after Felipe Massa lodged a very dubious protest over blocking during qualifying and it was upheld by the race stewards who took away Alonso’s three fastest laps. In the end it was a mute point as Alonso retired with a blown engine after climbing all the way to third place.
Schumacher’s win and Alonso’s DNF allowed Ferrari to move to the top of the Constructors’ table for the first time this season.
Round 15: September 10, 2006 - Monza, Italy
| Position |
Driver |
Team |
Points |
| 1 |
Michael Schumacher (GER) |
Ferrari |
10 |
| 2 |
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) |
McLaren Mercedes |
8 |
| 3 |
Robert Kubica (POL) |
BMW |
6 |
| 4 |
Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA) |
Renault |
5 |
| 5 |
Jenson Button (GBR) |
Honda |
4 |
| 6 |
Rubens Barrichello (BRA) |
Honda |
3 |
| 7 |
Jarno Trulli (ITA) |
Toyota |
2 |
| 8 |
Nick Heidfeld (GER) |
BMW |
1 |
| Fastest Qualifier: Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) |
Complete GP of Italy results.
Posted: Sunday, September 10th, 2006
