2002 Malaysian Grand Prix

Second round of the 2002 Formula One season September 2014 September 2014 F1 Malaysian Malaysia 17 March 2002 2002 Australian Grand Prix 2002 Brazilian Grand Prix 2002 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 2 Sepang.svg 17 Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia 3.444 5.543 56 192.879 310.408 Partially cloudy, hot, and dry 92,000 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:35.266 Germany Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:38.049 38 Colombia Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW Germany Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Colombia Michael Schumacher Ferrari Germany MAL 2002 Malaysian GP – IV Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?gp=Malaysian%20GP&year=2002&r=1 ChicaneF1 13 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204153750/http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2002&gp=Malaysian%20GP&r=1 4 December 2013 dead2002 Malaysian Grand Prix https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2002-malaysian-grand-prix/ Motor Sport 13 July 20252002 Malaysian Grand Prix results http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/race/2070.html?noredir=1 ESPN 16 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20160113120404/http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/race/2070.html?noredir=1 13 January 2016 dead The 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix (officially the 2002 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix)https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2002/races/721/malaysia/race-result Malaysian Formula1.com 16 July 2025 6 August 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250806053348/https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2002/races/721/malaysia/race-result live was a Formula One motor race held before 92,000 spectators at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia on 17 March 2002. It was the second round of 17 in the 2002 Formula One World Championship and the fourth Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix. Williams driver Ralf Schumacher won the 56-lap race after starting from fourth position. His teammate Juan Pablo Montoya finished in second, ahead of Ferrari's Michael Schumacher in third. Going into the race, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari led the World Drivers' Championship and World Constructors Championship, respectively. Michael Schumacher qualified on pole position by setting the fastest lap time in the one-hour qualifying session. At the start of the race, Michael Schumacher and Montoya collided at the first corner, promoting Schumacher's teammate Rubens Barrichello to the race lead. Barrichello maintained the lead until the first round of pit stops when Ralf Schumacher took over the position. Ralf Schumacher led for most of the remainder of the Grand Prix to secure his fourth career victory, with Montoya in second 39.7 seconds behind after serving the first-ever drive-through penalty – imposed on him for the first lap accident. Michael Schumacher secured third on the final lap after overtaking Renault's Jenson Button, who had a suspected anti-roll bar bracket failure that slowed him with two laps remaining. Ralf Schumacher's and Montoya's one-two finish promoted Williams to the lead of the World Constructors' Championship by eight championship points over Ferrari. Michael Schumacher's lead in the World Drivers' Championship was reduced to two championship points over Montoya and four over race winner Ralf Schumacher with 15 races remaining in the season. Background thumb|left|The Sepang International Circuit, where the race was held The 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix, the second round of seventeen in the 2002 Formula One World Championship, was held at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia on 17 March 2002, the fourth time a Formula One Grand Prix was taking place at Sepang.Scarborough Craig 13 March 2002 2002 Malaysian GP Preview https://atlasf1.autosport.com/2002/mal/preview/scarborough.html 8 11 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 16 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250716203109/http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2002/mal/preview/scarborough.html live Muradov Boris May 2002 Гран При Малайзии: Время разбрасывать крылья Malaysian Grand Prix: Time to Spread Your Wings http://www.formula-one.ru/archive/0502/01gpmal.htm dead Formula 1 Magazine ru 5 18–28 https://web.archive.org/web/20030924164052/https://www.formula-one.ru/archive/0502/01gpmal.htm 24 September 2003 15 July 2025 The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), motorsport's governing body, had sanctioned a race in Malaysia since the 1960s, with the initial events staged in Singapore, then part of the Malaysian Federation, before moving to the Shah Alam Circuit. When the Formula One Grand Prix debuted in 1999, it was transferred to the purpose-built Sepang International Circuit, where it remained until 2017.A History of the Malaysian Grand Prix http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/page/2598.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160902104822/http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/page/2598.html 2 September 2016 13 July 2025 ESPN The track underwent safety upgrades, with 18 new safety fences installed to protect trackside personnel and the installation of new kerbs and gutters at five corners. A 60 m on section of track on the straight between turns 11 and 12 was repaved.11 March 2002 Safety changes at Sepang https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/safety-changes-at-sepang-5044695/5044695/ 13 July 2025 Autosport After winning the season-opening 2002 Australian, Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher led the World Drivers' Championship with ten championship points, ahead of Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya with six and McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen with four. Jaguar's Eddie Irvine and Minardi's Mark Webber were in fourth and fifth positions with three and two championship points, respectively.Jones Bruce https://archive.org/details/formulaonegrandp0000jone/ Formula One Grand Prix 2003: The Official ITV Sport Guide Carlton Books 2003 1-84222-813-7 London, England 102–103 2002 Final Tables registration Internet Archive Ferrari led the World Constructors' Championship with Williams second and McLaren third with ten championship points. Following the Australian Grand Prix on 3 March,5 March 2002 Williams and Renault Kick Off Silverstone Test - Day One https://atlasf1.autosport.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6643/.html 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 six teams held in-season testing sessions at various European racing courses ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.8 March 2002 Formula One Update – Coming Event: Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang – 15–17 March) http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1UPDT-A/2002/08-03-2002.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020420074528/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1UPDT-A/2002/08-03-2002.htm 20 April 2002 13 July 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Luciano Burti, Ferrari's test driver, spent four days testing mechanical components and Bridgestone tyres on a F2001 chassis at Italy's Fiorano Circuit.9 March 2002 Testing March 8th: Fiorano Day 4 http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8738.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020314193040/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8738.html 14 March 2002 13 July 2025 Formula1.com Williams and Renault spent three days at Northamptonshire's Silverstone Circuit,7 March 2002 Silverstone, day 3: Gene still fastest https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/silverstone-day-3-gene-still-fastest-5044761/5044761/ 13 July 2025 Autosport6 March 2002 Testing March 5th: Silverstone Day 1 http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8701.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020310051150/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8701.html 10 March 2002 13 July 2025 Formula1.com joined by British American Racing (BAR) concentrating on aerodynamic and engine development on the second and third days.6 March 2002 Gene on Top Again at Silverstone - Day Two https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6650/.html 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 11 February 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20050211190722/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6650/.html live Toyota conducted a two-day test of electrical and mechanical components on its TF102 car with test driver Stéphane Sarrazin at Circuit Paul Ricard in Southern France,9 March 2002 Sarrazin completes first Toyota test http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33163 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040930004644/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33163 30 September 2004 13 July 2025 F1Racing.net while Jean Alesi spent three days at the same track testing Michelin tyres in a McLaren MP4-16B car.8 March 2002 Delighted Alesi Completes McLaren Test https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6665/.html 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 The Arrows, Jaguar, Jordan, Minardi and Sauber teams did not test. Ferrari had won all three Formula One races at Sepang since its debut in 1999. Michael Schumacher, the pre-race favourite with most bookmakers,Agius Phil 15 March 2002 F1: Schu evens for Sepang https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A83783146/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=29483eaf subscription 13 July 2025 Racing Post 76 Gale OneFile: News stated he was confident of winning the race after finishing first in Australia with a year-old car. Montoya said coming second in Australia helped him cement "a good start to the season" for himself, adding he was taking a step-by-step approach, "I'm not going to rush into things. Our target is to improve on last year's position and of course to be more consistent" after retiring in Sepang the previous year.Rahman Fariq 12 March 2002 One tough amigo Malay Mail 55 326234607 His teammate Ralf Schumacher encouraged drivers to take extra precautions to avoid a multi-car accident, as seen on the first lap in Australia. He planned to prevent his brother from winning in Malaysia again and hoped for no monsoons.Peters Glen 14 March 2002 Ralf wants more care from driver New Straits Times 03 266745879 Renault's Jenson Button was more optimistic, reckoning he could secure a podium result.14 March 2002 Fit Button Targets Podium Finish in Malaysia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6707/.html 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224102752/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6707/.html live Michelin introduced a new radical tyre compound for the race.7 March 2002 Michelin to unleash secret weapon at Malaysian GP https://www.carmag.co.za/news-blog/michelin-to-unleash-secret-weapon-at-malaysian-gp/ 14 July 2025 Car magazine Tyres were a major topic leading into the Grand Prix, with Michelin predicted to outperform Bridgestone if conditions were hot.Legard Jonathan Jonathan Legard 11 March 2002 Rivals dreading Schumacher rain dance http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1867358.stm 14 July 2025 BBC SportHenry Alan 15 March 2002 Schumacher stays cool https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-schumacher-stays-cool-the/176619024/ 14 July 2025 The Guardian 35 Newspapers.com Alan Henry However, Michael Schumacher warned Bridgestone had closed the gap on Michelin's warm-weather performance but said a Williams driver would finish on the podium. Ralf Schumacher was convinced that Michelin's new tyre compound would correct an early performance drop-off and help him close the gap to Ferrari in Malaysia.14 March 2002 Schu brothers talk up tyres https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schu-brothers-talk-up-tyres-5044650/5044650/ 14 July 2025 Autosport The drivers met on Friday afternoon to discuss a gentlemen's agreement on "non-aggression" at the first corner on the first lap to avoid a multi-car accident as observed at the Australian Grand Prix. The stewards further warned the drivers at the Sunday morning meeting to exercise caution at the first turn.Allen James James Allen (journalist) 18 March 2002 Williams gains an early lead over Ferrari Financial Times 19 249262179 The Grand Prix featured eleven teams of two drivers (each representing a different constructor), with no changes to the season entry list.FIA Formula One World Championship 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix Information https://motorsportstats.com/results/fia-formula-one-world-championship/2002/malaysian-grand-prix/info 13 July 2025 Motorsport Stats Phoenix Finance unsuccessfully attempted to enter the Grand Prix with two 2001-spec Prost AP04 cars possibly powered by 1999-spec TWR engines with drivers Tarso Marques and Gastón Mazzacane after the FIA ruled it had not purchased Prost Grand Prix's entry.Wilkins Robert 13 March 2002 FIA rules against Phoenix https://www.crash.net/f1/news/41449/1/fia-rules-against-phoenix 13 July 2025 Crash 17 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230417143657/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/41449/1/fia-rules-against-phoenix live 15 March 2002 F1: Phoenix claim they have rights https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/arid-30043150.html 13 July 2025 Irish ExaminerFreeman Jon Noble Beer Matt S13 E4: Malaysia 2002 – F1's first drive-through penalty causes controversy https://shows.acast.com/bring-back-v10s-classic-f1-stories/episodes/s13-e4-malaysia-2002-f1s-first-drive-through-penalty-causes The Race 30 April 2026 00:20.18–00:57.52 20 May 2026 Bring Back V10s Acast Glenn Toyota's Mika Salo had a severe case of flu, meaning Ryan Briscoe, Toyota's test driver, was on standby to replace him. However, Salo recovered in time to enter the Grand Prix.25 March 2002 Briscoe came close to F1 debut http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33704 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040929234345/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33704 29 September 2004 17 July 2025 F1Racing.net To assist the cooling of their internal components in Malaysia's hot and humid atmosphere, teams installed more apertures on their cars.Piola Giorgio 19–25 March 2002 La Renault vola con la nuova ala Renault flies with its new wing Autosprint it 12 26–29 Giorgio Piola Ferrari again sent two F2001B cars and opened additional vents on their sides. Ralf Schumacher drove a Williams FW24 after it was repaired after being damaged on the opening lap of the preceding Australian Grand Prix due to production constraints, forcing the decision to avoid using a year-old chassis.Buchignani Walter 14 March 2002 Old is new again on circuit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-old-is-new-again-on-circuit/176574506/ 13 July 2025 The Gazette B8 Newspapers.com11 March 2002 Ralf to Use Melbourne Car in Malaysia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6678/.html 13 July 2025 AtlasF1 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224092104/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6678/.html live Renault employed a more powerful qualifying engine for the race and upgraded the rear wing, extractor profile and rear suspension components.11 March 2002 New parts boost Renault hopes https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/new-parts-boost-renault-hopes-5044698/5044698/ 14 July 2025 Autosport The Jaguar team received a new engine and aerodynamic updates for their R3 cars.Rahman Fariq 14 March 2002 Jaguar's hopes lie in a revamped R3 engine https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A85554079/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=09c834ff subscription 13 July 2025 Malay Mail Gale OneFile: News Practice Two one-hour practices on Friday and two 45-minute sessions on Saturday preceded the race.https://archive.org/details/formula1yearbook0000unse Formula 1 Yearbook 2002–2003 Parragon 2002 0-75259-146-0 Domenjoz Luc Bath, Somerset 220–221 registration Internet Archive The Friday practice sessions at Sepang took place shrouded by a smoky haze caused by forest fires in four Peninsular Malaysia states exacerbated by a prolonged drought in parts of Southeast Asia,15 March 2002 Fires cast cloud over F1 race https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-fires-cast-cloud-over/176619739/ 14 July 2025 Red Deer Advocate C5 Newspapers.com Associated Press 18 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250718144150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-fires-cast-cloud-over/176619739/ live 15 March 2002 Forest Fires Ring Malaysian GP Track https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6724/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224143254/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6724/.html live threatening to significantly limit visibility of the circuit. However, practice was not affected by the haze.16 March 2002 Come Rain or Shine... https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-come-rain-or-shine/176619893/ 14 July 2025 The Independent 2 Newspapers.com 18 July 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250718144150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-come-rain-or-shine/176619893/ live thumb|right|upright|David Coulthard (pictured in 2007) had his first practice session interrupted when he stopped his McLaren with an overheating exhaust collector causing the right-rear bodywork to catch fire. Michael Schumacher lapped fastest in the first practice session, which happened in the morning in hot and humid weather, with a time of 1:38.626, nearly a second faster than his teammate Rubens Barrichello. Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, Arrows' Enrique Bernoldi, Button, Jordan's Takuma Sato, Bernoldi's teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Renault's Jarno Trulli, Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella and Montoya followed in the top ten.Gray Will 15 March 2002 Friday First Free Practice - Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6711/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224142157/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6711/.html live Some drivers lost control of their cars as they became acclimatised to the circuit during the session. Around 20 minutes in and after completing three laps,Zanca Salvatore 16 March 2002 Raikkonen fastest in practice but wary of Schumacher in Malaysian Grand Prix https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-raikkonen-fastes/176621155/ 14 July 2025 Asheville Citizen-Times C1 Newspapers.com Associated PressHenry Alan 16 March 2002 Push comes to shove for the McLaren https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-push-comes-to-shove-for-the/176621165/ 14 July 2025 The Guardian 14 Newspapers.com Alan Henry On his first lap,Hallberry Andy 15 March 2002 McLaren sets the pace in Malaysia http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=583 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020614043623/http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=583 14 June 2002 15 July 2025 Speed David Coulthard stopped his McLaren exiting turn 11 when an overheating exhaust collector caused the right-rear bodywork to catch fire. Coulthard spent 20 minutes pushing the car back to the pit lane for repairs.15 March 2002 Free Practice http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news1.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020321092734/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news1.htm 21 March 2002 14 July 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile15 March 2002 Free practice 1: Ferraris fastest https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-1-ferraris-fastest-5044629/5044629/ 14 July 2025 Autosport Because the rules prohibited using the spare car on Fridays, his team replaced the engine before the start of the second practice. Bernoldi then stopped his car on the grass with a suspected software glitch in the diffuser.15 March 2002 McLaren fastest on Friday http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8801.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020327085806/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8801.html 27 March 2002 14 July 2025 Formula1.com The second practice session held later in the afternoon was also hot and humid,15 March 2002 Räikkönen hits the top http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33304 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040930001412/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33304 30 September 2004 14 July 2025 F1Racing.netGray Will 15 March 2002 Friday Second Free Practice - Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6713/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 giving the advantage to Michelin-shod cars. McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen set the day's fastest lap of 1:37.399, Friday's only sub-1:37 lap.15 March 2002 Free practice 2: McLaren fight back https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-2-mclaren-fight-back-5044632/5044632/ 14 July 2025 Autosport Coulthard was 0.639 seconds slower in second. Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher, Salo, Montoya, Barrichello, Button, Trulli and Heidfeld were in positions three to ten. More drivers lost control of their cars during the session. Webber's Asiatech engine failed on his out-lap and billowed smoke in the opening minute of the session and he stopped on the track. Barrichello stopped after turn nine when his Ferrari's engine failed with 15 minutes remaining. An overnight rainstorm left moist patches off the racing line and lowered grip levels for Saturday morning's third practice session.16 March 2002 Barrichello leads early on Saturday http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33363 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040929233916/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33363 29 September 2004 14 July 2025 F1Racing.net The forest fires' haze made it humid and overcast.16 March 2002 Free practice 3: Ferrari back on top https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-3-ferrari-back-on-top-5044592/5044592/ 14 July 2025 Autosport16 March 2002 Saturday First Free Practice - Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6735/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Most drivers did not enter the circuit after halfway through, when more grip was available. Barrichello led with a 1:36.974 lap set late in the session. His teammate Michael Schumacher, Räikkönen, Montoya, Button, Ralf Schumacher, Coulthard, Fisichella and the Sauber duo of Felipe Massa and Heidfeld completed the top ten. Frentzen was the only driver not to set a lap time because of a fractured oil line damaging his engine. As the circuit temperature increased, it remained hot with a slight hazy mist during the final practice session.16 March 2002 Montoya leads ahead of Qualifying http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33365 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040930001741/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33365 30 September 2004 14 July 2025 F1Racing.net16 March 2002 Montoya heads Saturday practice http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8818.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020603015111/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8818.html 3 June 2002 14 July 2025 Formula1.com Several drivers lost control of their cars on the damp track surface. Montoya recorded the quickest lap time of 1:36.556 27 minutes into the session. Räikkönen was second with a lap set with 16 minutes remaining.Gray Will 16 March 2002 Saturday Second Free Practice - Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6737/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224091916/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6737/.html live 16 March 2002 Free practice 4: Montoya fastest https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-4-montoya-fastest-5044580/5044580/ 14 July 2025 Autosport Ralf Schumacher, Barrichello, Coulthard, Michael Schumacher, Button, Fisichella, Massa and Heidfeld rounded out the top ten. Coulthard's right-hand wheels went onto the grass exiting the left-hand corner heading into turn 14. He abandoned his car in the gravel trap after spinning into it. Late in the session, a fire at the rear of Frentzen's car led him to evacuate and mechanics extinguished it. Qualifying thumb|left|upright|Michael Schumacher (pictured in 2005) secured the 44th pole position of his career with the fastest lap time in the one-hour qualifying session. Each driver was allowed twelve laps during Saturday's one-hour qualifying session, with starting positions determined by the drivers' quickest laps. During this session, the 107% rule was in effect, requiring each driver to remain within 107% of the quickest lap time in order to qualify for the race. Qualifying was held in hot, humid and overcast conditions,Gray Will 16 March 2002 Schumacher Claims Ferrari's 150th Pole - Malaysia https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6739/.html 14 July 2025 AtlasF1 24 December 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041224093726/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6739/.html live and the high ambient and track temperatures favoured the Michelin-shod cars.Tremayne David 17 March 2002 Schumacher makes red a safe bet https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-schumacher-makes-red-a-s/176638446/ 14 July 2025 The Independent 22 Newspapers.com David Tremayne Michael Schumacher used nine of his twelve allocated laps and secured his first pole position of the season and the 44th of his career with a lap time of 1:35.266.Hallberry Andy 16 March 2002 Schumacher on pole for Malaysian GP http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=611 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020614051018/http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=611 14 June 2002 15 July 2025 Speed He theorised he could have lapped faster had he waited until the end of qualifying as it seemed to be the best time to avoid slower cars.17 March 2002 2002 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix - Team and Driver comments - Saturday http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/02/quotes-sat.phtml dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020827021020/http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/02/quotes-sat.phtml 27 August 2002 14 July 2025 Daily F1 Montoya qualified second, 0.231 seconds behind Michael Schumacher.16 March 2002 Schumacher claims pole http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1875876.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021184941/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1875876.stm 21 October 2002 14 July 2025 BBC Sport He initially struggled to stay consistent all around the track and reporting understeer that cost him time between turns seven and eight.16 March 2002 Free Practice and qualifying http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news2.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020526233650/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news2.htm 26 May 2002 14 July 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Barrichello missed the first half of qualifying, and was unable to duplicate his Australian Grand Prix qualifying performance. He took third on his final fast lap on newer tyres, creating excess understeer and braking problems initially before a car setup change resolved the issue. He demoted Ralf Schumacher to fourth when qualifying ended;16 March 2002 Qualifying: Schuey storms to pole https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/qualifying-schuey-storms-to-pole-5044582/5044582/ 14 July 2025 Autosport Ralf Schumacher was affected by car setup issues. Räikkönen secured fifth and qualified ahead of Coulthard in sixth for the first time in their second race as teammates despite an oversteer putting him wide on his second run. An excess oversteer stopped Coulthard from attacking in the way he desired due to a lack of straightline speed, McLaren reacted by reducing downforce, affecting the handling.Hamilton Maurice 17 March 2002 Montoya makes Schumacher toil https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer-montoya-makes-schumacher-to/176638487/ 14 July 2025 The Observer 13 Newspapers.com He ended qualifying prematurely after spinning into the turn 14 gravel trap. Heidfeld set his fastest time for seventh on his second run despite a chassis setup fault that required him to return to the original setup. Button qualified eighth on his first run, his best result since leaving Williams at the end of 2000, but suffered an engine power issue on his next run, forcing him to drive the spare Renault R202 car. Fisichella, ninth, made driver errors on his final run, preventing him from lapping faster. Salo took tenth, Toyota's first top ten qualifying result in their second Grand Prix. Frentzen qualified 11th after being dissatisfied with the balance of his Arrows A23 car. Trulli was unable to locate a suitable car balance, leaving him in 12th. BAR's Jacques Villeneuve, 13th, was two-tenths of a second faster than in practice, reporting that the car was not quick in either the corners or straights. Massa, in 14th, experienced a front-right suspension failure midway through qualifying, forcing him to be transported to the pit lane to drive the spare Sauber car configured for him, which had more understeer than his race car.16 March 2002 Schumi scores 150th pole http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33370 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040929233920/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33370 29 September 2004 14 July 2025 F1Racing.net Sato admitted to pushing too hard on his second and fourth runs and qualified 15th. Bernoldi was 16th after running off onto the grass in the spare Arrows vehicle during his third run owing to a car balance issue. Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa pushed hard on his first two runs despite an oversteer and his last run was affected by slower cars, leaving him 17th. Olivier Panis, 18th, had a gearbox oil leak that required a new gearbox, but it began to bounce out of fourth gear on his first run, forcing him to drive the spare BAR vehicle 12 minutes before qualifying concluded. On his first lap, Allan McNish had to use the spare Toyota due to a broken differential that billowed from smoke from the right exhaust. McNish was uncomfortable with how the spare car felt and he qualified 19th. Irvine finished 20th due to balance issues caused by reverting from a reworked front wing to the previous setup, resulting in driver errors. The Minardi duo of Webber and Alex Yoong completed the starting grid in 21st and 22nd; Yoong believed he might have equalled his teammate Webber, but improvements to his car proved ineffective. Qualifying classification Pos Position No Car number Driver Constructor Lap Gap Gap to the fastest driver Grid Final grid position 1 1 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:35.266 — 1 2 6 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:35.497 +0.231 2 3 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:35.891 +0.625 3 4 5 Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW 1:36.028 +0.762 4 5 4 Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:36.468 +1.202 5 6 3 UK David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1:36.477 +1.211 6 7 7 Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas 1:37.199 +1.933 7 8 15 UK Jenson Button Renault 1:37.245 +1.979 8 9 9 Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda 1:37.536 +2.270 9 10 24 Finland Mika Salo Toyota 1:37.694 +2.428 10 11 20 Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen Arrows-Cosworth 1:37.919 +2.653 11 12 14 Italy Jarno Trulli Renault 1:37.920 +2.654 12 13 11 Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda 1:38.039 +2.773 13 14 8 Brazil Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1:38.057 +2.791 14 15 10 Japan Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda 1:38.141 +2.875 15 16 21 Brazil Enrique Bernoldi Arrows-Cosworth 1:38.284 +3.018 16 17 17 Spain Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth 1:38.374 +3.108 17 18 12 France Olivier Panis BAR-Honda 1:38.390 +3.124 18 19 25 UK Allan McNish Toyota 1:38.959 +3.693 19 20 16 UK Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth 1:39.121 +3.855 20 21 23 Australia Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech 1:39.454 +4.188 21 2222 Malaysia Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech 1:40.158 +4.892 22107% time: 1:41.935Sources:Malaysia 2002 – Qualifications https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/malaisie/qualification.aspx StatsF1 16 July 2025 22 February 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230222224800/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/malaisie/qualification.aspx live Warm-up On race morning, a 30-minute warm-up session was held in hot, sunny weather.17 March 2002 Ferrari lead hot warm-up http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33432 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040929234028/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33432 29 September 2004 15 July 2025 F1Racing.net17 March 2002 Sunday Warm Up - Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6761/.html 15 July 2025 AtlasF1 Barrichello led with a lap of 1:39.611, which he set late on, ahead of teammate Michael Schumacher, Coulthard, Trulli, Heidfeld, Button, Montoya, De la Rosa, Ralf Schumacher and Frentzen in positions two to ten.17 March 2002 Warm-up: Barrichello on top https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/warm-up-barrichello-on-top-5044541/5044541/ 15 July 2025 Autosport Some drivers drove their team's spare cars after being permitted by the rules. They reported problems with them during their last preparations on the dry course before the race.17 March 2002 Warm-Up http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news3.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020619095119/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/Malaisie/news3.htm 19 June 2002 15 July 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile17 March 2002 Barrichello tops Sunday warm-up in Sepang http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8836.html https://web.archive.org/web/20021203232959/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/03/s8836.html 3 December 2002 15 July 2025 Formula1.com Ralf Schumacher lost control of his car at turn 14. In the pit lane, he suffered a front disc brake failure and extinguished a brief fire in his car. Yoong caused the yellow flags to be waved when he entered the turn 12 gravel trap but returned to the pit lane. Race The 56-lap race began at 14:00 local time under hot, partially cloudy, humid, and slightly hazy weather.2002 – Round 2 – Malaysia: Sepang http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/malaysia/race.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020602040356/http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/malaysia/race.html 2 June 2002 16 July 2025 Formula1.comZanca Salvatore 18 March 2002 Ralf ends brother's streak in Malaysia https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-maria-times-ralf-ends-brothers-st/176769631/ 16 July 2025 Santa Maria Times C2 Newspapers.com Associated Press The air temperature ranged from 30 to 34 C F and the track temperature was between 35 and 41 C F;17 March 2002 It's the other Schu ! http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33438 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20040930000939/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=33438 30 September 2004 16 July 2025 F1Racing.net a 90% chance of a thunderstorm was forecast.17 March 2002 2002: Sepang: A Williams one-two in Malaysia! http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 16 July 2025 F1-Live.com 17 March 2002 2002 : Sepang (Race Commentary) http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 16 July 2025 F1-Live.com Approximately 92,000 spectators attended the event.Baharudin Zakri 19 March 2002 BMW duo outclass Schumi New Straits Times 03 266716681 When the red lights went out to begin the race, Frentzen stalled on the starting grid for the second consecutive event due to a launch control system fault.Elizalde Pablo 20 March 2002 The 2002 Malaysian GP Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/mal/elizalde.html dead AtlasF1 8 12 https://web.archive.org/web/20240402181831/https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/mal/elizalde.html 2 April 2024 16 July 202517 March 2002 Malaysian GP 2002 – Win number four for Ralf http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=1579 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030905022942/http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=1579 5 September 2003 16 July 2025 Crash His car was pushed into the pit lane by mechanics and was restarted with Frentzen a lap behind. thumb|right|upright|Juan Pablo Montoya was involved in a first lap collision with Michael Schumacher and was imposed the first-ever drive-through penalty for it. At the front, Michael Schumacher went across to the right, into Montoya's path on the inside line, headed into the right-hand Selangor S turn. Montoya drew alongside Michael Schumacher on the inside due to a powerful BMW engine, and he appeared to push Schumacher to the outside kerbing entering the corner. As Montoya turned into the corner, Michael Schumacher on the tighter outside line then understeered off the kerbing, pushing Montoya to the outside.Tremayne David 18 March 2002 Williams' strategy puts Ferrari in the shade https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-williams-strategy-puts/176768922/ 16 July 2025 The Independent 12 Newspapers.com David Tremayne Michael Schumacher collided with Montoya, breaking his front wing against Montoya's right-front wheel and sending Montoya off the circuit.17 March 2002 Race report: Schuey Jr profits from clash https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/race-report-schuey-jr-profits-from-clash-5044530/5044530/ 16 July 2025 Autosport 12 July 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230712105705/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/race-report-schuey-jr-profits-from-clash-5044530/5044530/ live The front wing folded under Montoya's car. Montoya's horizontal fin was also removed, falling to 11th and gesticulating to Michael Schumacher as he passed him.Scarborough Craig 20 March 2002 Malaysian GP – Technical Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/mal/scarborough.html AtlasF1 8 12 16 July 2025 9 March 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20050309133050/http://www.atlasf1.com/2002/mal/scarborough.html live The collision ended both drivers' chance at victory.Eason Kevin 18 March 2002 Montoya lays title challenge on the line; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A83948200/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=0b06708c subscription 16 July 2025 The Times 31 Gale Academic OneFile Meanwhile, Barrichello took the race lead from Ralf Schumacher and Räikkönen. Michael Schumacher drove slowly into the pit lane for a replacement front wing in a 12.5-second pit stop. He rejoined the circuit in 21st. Sato, on a lighter fuel load, collided with the rear of his teammate Fisichella car at turn two on lap two while they were battling Salo for eighth position.Grand Prix Results: Malaysian GP, 2002 http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr682.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070616084051/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr682.html 16 June 2007 16 July 2025 GrandPrix.com The impact severed Sato's front wing and Fisichella's rear wing. Both drivers made pit stops for repairs on the same lap, with Fisichella overshooting the Jordan pit stall because his rear wing took longer to install. Fisichella exited his car, assuming the damage was irreversible, but after installing the rear wing, he rejoined the Grand Prix. Barrichello slowly pulled away from Ralf Schumacher. Montoya advanced to seventh by overtaking Salo and Trulli on lap three, before Salo passed Trulli for eighth on lap four. McNish passed Bernoldi for tenth place on lap six. On the following lap, Montoya slipstreamed past Button on the inside into turn one for sixth. The stewards perceived Montoya to be at fault for the collision with Michael Schumacher. They imposed a drive-through penalty on Montoya on lap eight for "causing an avoidable collision," the first time such a penalty had been levied on a Formula One driver since the FIA introduced it to replace the ten-second stop-and-go penalties. He took the penalty two laps later and fell to ninth, losing approximately 20 seconds. Trulli entered the pit lane on lap ten with overheating. The sidepods were cleared, but the car continued to overheat and lose power. He was pushed into the garage and retired to prevent more damage to the Renault. Panis pulled over onto the grass after his clutch failed, forcing him to retire on the same lap. By lap 13, Michael Schumacher had moved to 12th place after passing Irvine and Villeneuve. Coulthard began slowing due to a worsening misfire, causing his engine to run on nine cylinders on the same lap, and he was passed by Heidfeld on the pit lane straight the next lap for fourth. He then dropped behind Button and Salo before being summoned to the garage by Mercedes technicians to retire on lap 15.Richardson Chris Raman Nick March 2002 The Sepang analysis http://www.dailyf1.com/en/features/feature.php?id=17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021017102355/http://www.dailyf1.com/en/features/feature.php?id=17 17 October 2002 16 July 2025 Daily F1 Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher passed Massa for 11th place before battling Bernoldi for tenth, overtaking him two laps later. The first round of pit stops commenced on lap 20. Ralf Schumacher ran a one-stop plan whereas Barrichello was on a two-stop strategy. Heidfeld and Michael Schumacher made their first pit stops for fuel and tyres. Barrichello made his first pit stop from the lead at the conclusion of the next lap. The stop lasted 6.6 seconds because his team were short filling him and he rejoined the race in third, behind Räikkönen. Bernoldi stopped on the circuit at turn nine with a fuel pick-up issue that forced him to retire on lap 22. This prompted the waving of yellow flags, as marshals moved Bernoldi's car off the track. Barrichello was chasing Räikkönen for second place when Räikkönen's engine failed, sending smoke billowing from the back of his McLaren as he braked for the final turn on lap 25. Räikkönen entered the garage and retired. This promoted the yet-to-stop Button to third.17 March 2002 Lapwatch: Malaysian GP http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1876558.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021184627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1876558.stm 21 October 2002 16 July 2025 BBC Sport Michael Schumacher regained a points-paying place on lap 27 after Salo entered the garage to address an electrical fault with the traction control system following his first pit stop. Montoya overtook Heidfeld for fourth on that lap. Irvine collided with Yoong's rear on lap 28 while attempting to lap him. Irvine's front wing folded under the Jaguar and he ran onto the grass before entering the pit lane for a replacement front wing. Ralf Schumacher made his only pit stop of the event on lap 31. The 11-second stop saw scrubbed tyres installed onto his car, falling to second behind Barrichello. One lap later, Yoong retired at the side of the track, having lost the use of three gears. Lap 33 saw Irvine enter the garage to retire with a loss in hydraulic pressure preventing him from engaging the clutch. Barrichello made his second pit stop for fuel and tyres on lap 35. The stop lasted 10.6 seconds and Ralf Schumacher returned to the lead. Michael Schumacher slipstreamed past Heidfeld the outside entering turn one for fifth on the next lap. On lap 37, Webber spun into the gravel trap because of a technical issue unrelated to the engine and retired. Heidfeld made his second pit stop from fifth on that lap, rejoining the track in sixth. Michael Schumacher overtook Button braking for the final turn on lap 38. Montoya set a new race lap record and the race's fastest lap of 1:38.049 on that lap before his second pit stop to end lap 39. The stop lasted 7.8 seconds and he fell to fourth, behind Button. Barrichello was running second when he pulled over to the side of the track with smoke billowing from his engine on lap 40. Two laps later, Michael Schumacher made his third and final pit stop, dropping to fourth. thumb|left|upright|Ralf Schumacher secured the fourth victory of his career by 39.7 seconds over his teammate Montoya in the first one-two finish for Williams since 1996. After all scheduled pit stops were completed, Ralf Schumacher led by about 50 seconds from Button in second, who was followed by Montoya, Michael Schumacher, Heidfeld, and Massa. The focus shifted to Button and Montoya's duel for second. Montoya closed up to Button due to his powerful BMW engine and Button began defending second. On lap 44, Montoya attempted to pass at the end of the pit lane straight for second, but Button held on by keeping on the outside through the first two turns. He tried again at the entry to turn three and was successful this time. As Ralf Schumacher was more than 40 seconds ahead of his teammate Montoya and Button 16.9 seconds ahead of Michael Schumacher, the Williams drivers were conservative, and Ferrari's streak of 37 consecutive podium finishes appeared to be over. However, with two laps remaining, Button suffered a sudden suspected anti-roll bar bracket failure, forcing him to slow since the car was cornering on three wheels and the weight transferred uncontrollably across the axles.Henry Alan 18 March 2002 Motor Racing: Big brother surrenders centre stage to Williams https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A83918045/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=bc2d341f subscription 16 July 2025 The Guardian 18 Gale In Context: Biography Alan Henry This cost Button 14 seconds over the final two laps, and Michael Schumacher overtook him for third on braking at turn four on the final lap, preventing Button from clinching his first podium. Ralf Schumacher was unaffected by mechanical issues and other drivers' battles; he led the rest of the race, securing his fourth career victory and first since the 2001 German Grand Prix.Collings Timothy 18 March 2002 Schumacher cashes in on rivals' first-corner crash https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-schumacher-cashes-in/176769024/ 16 July 2025 The Daily Telegraph S7 Newspapers.com Montoya finished second, 39.700 seconds behind, helping Williams to its first one-two result since the 1996 Portuguese Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher took the final podium result in third. Button secured fourth position and was the final driver on the lead lap. Heidfeld finished fifth and Massa completed the points-scorers in sixth, Massa earning his maiden championship point. McNish finished seventh when the Toyota pit crew mixed up his final set of tyres and used a set of worn tyres instead. Villeneuve finished eighth owing to a lack of grip and steering issues. Sato was ninth, registering his first Formula One finish.Quigley Declan 18 March 2002 First corner crash gifts victory to the other Schu https://www.newspapers.com/article/irish-independent-first-corner-crash-gif/176769318/ 16 July 2025 Irish Independent S4 Newspapers.com De la Rosa (after his front wing was removed in a collision with Panis while battling for 14th position early in the race), Frentzen, Salo and Fisichella were the final four finishers. A total of 13 out of the 22 starters finished the Grand Prix, and nine drivers did not finish. Post-race The top three drivers appeared on the podium to collect their trophies and spoke to the media in the subsequent press conference. Ralf Schumacher described the Grand Prix as "almost the perfect race" but admitted to being "certainly a bit lucky" when his teammate Montoya and Michael Schumacher collided on the opening lap.17 March 2002 Post-Race Press Conference – Malaysian GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6781/.html 16 July 2025 AtlasF1 30 October 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20041030032226/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6781/.html live Montoya said that finishing in second was "pretty good" considering his start to the race but thought he was slightly unlucky, adding, "After the start, I thought my race was over. I will try to push and try to get one or two points and here I am with six. It's pretty good." Michael Schumacher commented on his third-place result, "All you can say is that we came with the old car to the first two races and we weren't expecting to have 14 points in our account, plus what happened today, to get four points, so that's pretty much fine. I'm quite happy and relaxed with that situation and not too unhappy." After the race, the decision to penalise Montoya for his first-lap collision with Michael Schumacher sparked discussion.Gordon Ian 18 March 2002 Montoya lashes out as Ralf roars home https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-northern-echo-teesside-ed-montoya/176769890/ 16 July 2025 The Northern Echo 18 Newspapers.com Montoya chastised the stewards for overreacting to criticism following the multi-car accident at the start of the preceding Australian Grand Prix, and downplayed the Malaysian crash as "a racing incident". He also said that he thought the penalty was "very unfair" and that he gave Michael Schumacher some space. Michael Schumacher felt that if Montoya had opened up more, there would have been no collision, but he thought the penalty issued by Montoya was "harsh", citing past situations that were more dangerous in which no action was taken. Ralf Schumacher also felt that it was unfair to penalise his teammate. According to Williams technical director Patrick Head, Montoya was half a car length ahead of Michael Schumacher and thought the penalty was slightly severe. Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn argued Michael Schumacher had been given no space.17 March 2002 Montoya penalty criticised http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1877421.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021190720/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1877421.stm 21 October 2002 16 July 2025 BBC Sport thumb|right|Jenson Button (pictured in 2007) was on course to achieve his first podium result until a suspected anti-roll bar bracket failure slowed him two laps from the end of the race. Button said had he been running fourth throughout the race, finishing fourth would have been satisfactory but that him losing a podium result was "very hard to take." Heidfeld said finishing fifth was a positive result for Sauber after being eliminated in the pileup in Australia.17 March 2002 Massa takes last-gasp point for Sauber https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/massa-takes-last-gasp-point-for-sauber-5044532/5044532/ 16 July 2025 Autosport 19 January 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250119105317/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/massa-takes-last-gasp-point-for-sauber-5044532/5044532/ live Massa was delighted to score his first championship point in his second Grand Prix start, saying, I thought if I finished I could score a point, and though this circuit was very difficult in the circumstances today, that's how it worked out." Sato apologised to his teammate Fisichella for their collision on the second lap. Fisichella accepted his teammate's apology and Jordan team owner Eddie Jordan praised the maturity of both drivers following the incident.17 March 2002 Sato sorry for crash http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1877634.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021185235/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1877634.stm 21 October 2002 16 July 2025 BBC Sport Sato suggested the accident happened because Jordan had implemented an pre-race agreement to let him past Fisichella when behind his teammate since he had a ligher fuelled car, something confirmed by Jordan technical director Gary Anderson. McNish did not believe Toyota made a rookie mistake in providing the wrong tyres for his car during his final pit stop, attributing it to his teammate Salo's surprise early pit stop.17 March 2002 McNish Backs Team after Pitstop Mistake https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/mar/report.php/id/6788/.html 16 July 2025 AtlasF1 Coulthard was disappointed to retire from the race but urged McLaren to remain focused, "I know we have a package which is capable of winning races, but we just need a bit of reliability."17 March 2002 Mercedes admit they must do better https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-admit-they-must-do-better-5044520/5044520/ 16 July 2025 Autosport Mercedes-Benz motorsport head Norbert Haug said the manufacturer would thoroughly analyse the reason for the engine failures to prevent them from reoccurring. The result reduced Michael Schumacher's World Drivers' Championship lead to two points over Montoya; Ralf Schumacher's victory moved him to third place. With 15 races remaining in the season, Williams took the lead in the World Constructors' Championship, eight points ahead of Ferrari. Race classification Drivers who scored championship points are denoted in bold. Pos Position No Car number Driver Constructor Tyre Laps Laps completed Time/Retired Grid Final grid position Points 1 5 Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW Michelin 56 1:34:12.912 4 10 2 6 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Michelin 56 +39.700 2 6 3 1 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari Bridgestone 56 +1:01.795 1 4 4 15 UK Jenson Button Renault Michelin 56 +1:09.767 8 3 5 7 Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 55 +1 lap 7 2 6 8 Brazil Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 55 +1 lap 14 1 7 25 UK Allan McNish Toyota Michelin 55 +1 lap 19   8 11 Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda Bridgestone 55 +1 lap 13   9 10 Japan Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda Bridgestone 54 +2 laps 15   10 17 Spain Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 54 +2 laps 17   11 20 Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen Arrows-Cosworth Bridgestone 54 +2 laps 11   12 24 Finland Mika Salo Toyota Michelin 53 +3 laps 10   13 9 Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda Bridgestone 53 +3 laps 9   Ret Retired 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Bridgestone 39 Engine 3   Ret Retired 23 Australia Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 34 Electrical 21   Ret Retired 16 UK Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 30 Hydraulics 20   Ret Retired 22 Malaysia Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 29 Gearbox 22   Ret Retired 4 Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 24 Engine 5   Ret Retired 21 Brazil Enrique Bernoldi Arrows-Cosworth Bridgestone 20 Fuel pressure 16   Ret Retired 3 UK David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 15 Engine 6   Ret Retired 12 France Olivier Panis BAR-Honda Bridgestone 9 Clutch 18   Ret Retired 14 Italy Jarno Trulli Renault Michelin 9 Overheating 12  Sources:2002 Malaysian Grand Prix http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2002/6/ Formula1.com 26 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20141013125646/http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2002/6/ 13 October 2014 Championship standings after the race full season standings 2002 Formula One World Championship#Results and standings Drivers' Championship standings +/– Championship positions gained, maintained or lost Pos Position Driver Points 10px 1 Germany Michael Schumacher 14 10px 2 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya 12 10px 7 3 Germany Ralf Schumacher 10 10px 1 4 Finland Kimi Räikkönen 4 10px 1 5 UK Eddie Irvine 3Sources:https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/malaisie/championnat.aspx Malaysia 2002 – Championship StatsF1 19 March 2019 2 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200902003633/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/malaisie/championnat.aspx live Constructors' Championship standings +/– Championship positions gained, maintained or lost Pos Position Constructor Points 10px 1 1 UK Williams-BMW 22 10px 1 2 Italy Ferrari 14 10px 3 UK McLaren-Mercedes 4 10px 4 UK Jaguar-Cosworth 3 10px 2 5 FRA Renault 3Sources: Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings. References Malaysian Grand Prix 2002 2002 Australian Grand Prix 2002 Brazilian Grand Prix 2001 Malaysian Grand Prix 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix 2 45 39.2 N 101 44 16.2 E title Malaysian Grand Prix Category:Malaysian Grand Prix Grand Prix Malaysian Grand Prix