2002 French Grand Prix

F1 France French 21 July 2002 2002 British Grand Prix 2002 German Grand Prix Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours (1992-2002).svg Mobil 1 Grand Prix de France 2002 11 17 Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Magny-Cours, Burgundy, France Permanent racing facility 2.641 4.251Muradov Boris Гран При Франции: Нечаянный Триумф Grand Prix of France: Unexpected Triumph https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/formula/2002/2002_09.pdf Formula 1 Magazine ru 9 18–28 September 2002 12 August 2025 Porsche Cars History 72 190.069 305.886 Warm and sunny, Air Temp: 25°C Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:11.985 Colombia David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1:15.045 62 UK Michael Schumacher Ferrari Germany Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Finland David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes UK FRA 2002 French GP http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2002&gp=French%20GP&r=1 ChicaneF1 12 August 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204155502/http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2002&gp=French%20GP&r=1 4 December 20132002 French Grand Prix https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2002-french-grand-prix/ Motor Sport 12 August 20252002 French Grand Prix results http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2079.html ESPN 12 August 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20100721132838/http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2079.html 21 July 2010 dead The 2002 French Grand Prix (formally the Mobil 1 Grand Prix de France 2002)https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2002/races/730/france/race-result France Formula1.com 28 July 2025 was a Formula One motor race held before 106,000 spectators at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in Magny-Cours, Burgundy, France on 21 July 2002. It was the 11th of 17 rounds of the 2002 Formula One World Championship as well as the 11th anniversary of Magny-Cours' debut Formula One event. Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher won the 72-lap race after starting in second. McLaren teammates Kimi Räikkönen and David Coulthard finished second and third, respectively. Schumacher's victory confirmed him as the 2002 World Drivers' Champion, as no other driver could overtake Schumacher's championship points total with a record six races remaining in the season. Only Michael Schumacher, his teammate Rubens Barrichello and Williams's Juan Pablo Montoya were in contention for the World Drivers' Championship entering the race, with Schumacher leading by 54 championship points. Ferrari led Williams in the World Constructors Championship by 57 championship points. Michael Schumacher began alongside pole position winner Montoya on the grid's first row. Montoya led the opening 23 laps before the first round of pit stops, when Michael Schumacher took the lead but received a drive-through penalty for crossing the white line at the pit lane exit. Montoya regained the lead until a delayed second pit stop put Räikkönen into the lead following the second round of pit stops. Räikkönen led until he ran over oil from the Toyota of Allan McNish on lap 68, allowing Michael Schumacher to pass him and take the lead for the remaining five laps, securing his eighth victory of the season and 61st of his career. Schumacher secured his fifth World Drivers' Championship title, equalling Juan Manuel Fangio's record set in 1957. Formula One individuals praised Michael Schumacher, including former champion Jody Scheckter and three-time world champion Niki Lauda. He also received official congratulations from world leaders Gerhard Schröder, Silvio Berlusconi and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. Montoya moved from third to second in the World Drivers' Championship while Ferrari extended its World Constructors' Championship lead over Williams to 62 championship points. Background left|thumb|The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours (pictured in 2006), where the French Grand Prix was held. The 2002 French Grand Prix was the 11th of 17 rounds in the 2002 Formula One World Championship, contested on 21 July 2002 at the 4.251 km mi on clockwise Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in Magny-Cours, Burgundy, Central France,Spurgeon Brad Brad Spurgeon 22 July 2002 Auto Racing; Schumacher's Fifth Title Ties Formula One Record https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/22/sports/auto-racing-schumacher-s-fifth-title-ties-formula-one-record.html 18 August 2025 The New York Times D3 the 11th anniversary of the circuit hosting its maiden Formula One event in 1991.Gray Will 17 July 2002 2002 French GP Preview https://atlasf1.autosport.com/2002/fra/preview/gray.html AtlasF1 8 23 12 August 2025 The race swapped places with the 2002 British to avoid a scheduling conflict with the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.Baldwin Alan 4 October 2001 Silverstone must wait for verdict https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-silverstone-must-wait-fo/183583552/ 24 October 2025 The Independent 25 Newspapers.com Ferrari's Michael Schumacher led the World Drivers' Championship with 86 championship points before the event, followed by his teammate Rubens Barrichello on 32 and Williams's Juan Pablo Montoya on 31. Montoya's teammate Ralf Schumacher was fourth with 30 championship points and McLaren's David Coulthard was fifth with 26 championship points.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 If Michael Schumacher won the race and both Barrichello and Montoya finished lower than third, he would have won five world championships, matching Juan Manuel Fangio's record.Allen James James Allen (journalist) 19 July 2002 Schumacher races towards new records: Formula One French Grand Prix Financial Times 12 24931641219 July 2002 Schumacher closes in on title https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-schumacher-closes/178716864/ 12 August 2025 Waterloo Region Record C4 Newspapers.com Associated Press Ferrari led the World Constructors' Championship with 118 championship points, 57 ahead of Williams. McLaren were third with 37 championship points, with Renault fourth on 14 and Sauber fifth with 10. Following the British Grand Prix on 7 July,9 July 2002 Ferrari Back in Action at Mugello https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7942/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 in preparation for the French Grand Prix, the teams tested aerodynamic and car components, racing setups and tyres on four European circuits.9 July 2002 Testing spread around Europe https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/testing-spread-around-europe-5040414/5040414/ 12 August 2025 Autosport10 July 2002 Testing at four tracks http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/11712 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020808221603/http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/11712 8 August 2002 12 August 2025 ITV-F1 The Arrows, Jordan, Renault. Sauber and Williams teams tested variously for four days at Spain's Circuit Ricardo Tormo.9 July 2002 Alonso Quickest at Valencia – Day One https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7941/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF110 July 2002 Valencia day 2: Gene king of the road http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36662 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119234857/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36662 19 November 2004 12 August 2025 F1Racing.net11 July 2002 Frentzen Fastest as Bourdais Debuts at Valencia – Day Three https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7960/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 The British American Racing (BAR), Jaguar, Toyota and Williams teams all tested variously over a four-day period at Italy's Monza Circuit.9 July 2002 Monza day 1: Pizzonia top http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36646 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119234840/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36646 19 November 2004 12 August 2025 F1Racing.net10 July 2002 Pizzonia Again on Top at Monza – Day Two https://atlasf1.autosport.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7951/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF112 July 2002 Pizzonia Fastest as Monza Testing Ends https://atlasf1.autosport.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7970/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 Ferrari's race preparations included testing at two Italian racing tracks. Drivers Luca Badoer, Luciano Burti and Michael Schumacher spent five days testing at the Fiorano Circuit,9 July 2002 Burti Kicks Off Fiorano Test for Ferrari https://atlasf1.autosport.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7944/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF113 July 2002 Testing July 13th: Fiorano Day Five http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10038.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020804215725/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10038.html 4 August 2002 12 August 2025 Formula1.com while Badoer also tested at the Mugello Circuit.10 July 2002 Ferrari test tyres at Mugello http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36651 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119234844/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36651 19 November 2004 12 August 2025 F1Racing.net11 July 2002 Badoer Wraps Up Mugello Test https://atlasf1.autosport.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7961/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 Minardi was the only team that did not test, remaining at their factory. Michael Schumacher had won seven of the ten races so far in 2002 and was on the podium in every one.17 July 2024 On this week #29: the 2002 France GP https://www.pirelli.com/global/en-ww/race/racingspot/formula-1/on-this-week-29-the-2002-france-gp-137311/ 12 August 2025 Pirelli He indicated that he would try to win the championship at Magny-Cours since he wanted to win the French Grand Prix, but that it would be dependent on other drivers' actions and that it did not matter if the title fight continued at the following 2002 German.16 July 2002 Schuey not fussed when title comes https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schuey-not-fussed-when-title-comes-5040106/5040106/ 12 August 2025 Autosport He indicated he would compete normally, but he did not expect to win the title in France, "Whether it happens here or at another time I don't think that it's really important to me. What matters to me is that it does happen in the end."Hynes Justin 19 July 2002 Schumacher's moment beckons The Irish Times 16 309528004 Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director, stated that the team was concerned about a mechanical failure during a race.Allsop Derick 19 July 2002 Schumacher shrouds prospect of title in understatement https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-schumacher-shrouds-prosp/178719667/ 12 August 2025 The Independent 23 Newspapers.com There were eleven teams (each representing a different constructor) with two drivers each for the Grand Prix, with no changes from the season entry list.Formula One 2002 French Grand Prix Information https://motorsportstats.com/results/fia-formula-one-world-championship/2002/french-grand-prix/info 12 August 2025 Motorsport Stats Arrows' participation in the event was jeopardised by outstanding debts to engine supplier Cosworth as it attempted to sell the team to Red Bull but this was prevented by major shareholder Morgan Grenfell.S4 E3: France 2002 - Raikkonen's near miss, Schumacher makes history https://shows.acast.com/bring-back-v10s-classic-f1-stories/episodes/68187f608e712cac96a2ac73 The Race 3 September 2026 Freeman Gary Anderson Gary Anderson (motorsport) Hughes Mark Mark Hughes (journalist) 22 July 2021 00:00.52–01:01.27 Bring Back V10s Acast Glenn16 July 2002 Arrows Yet to Secure Deal to Race in France https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7982/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 Arrows manager Tom Walkinshaw directed the team's transporters from Oxfordshire's Leafield factory to France on the evening of 16 July.Daley Kieran 17 July 2002 Concern at Arrows https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-concern-at-arrows-the/178720024/ 12 August 2025 The Independent 22 Newspapers.com Arrows' participation in the Grand Prix was ensured when Walkinshaw paid off the team's debt to Cosworth for a continued supply of engines the next day, before the noon deadline,Henry Alan Alan Henry 18 July 2002 Walkinshaw forks out £1 to keep Arrows on the road https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-walkinshaw-forks-out-1-to/178720125/ 12 August 2025 The Guardian 31 Newspapers.com17 July 2002 Arrows Up to Date on Cosworth Payments https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/7991/.html 12 August 2025 AtlasF1 having agreed a new payment plan with Cosworth to ensure the engine manufacturer was paid by the Wednesday. Ferrari combined the rear wing mounting point with the deformable structure above the gearbox and the extractor profile's upper part at the F2002 car's rear-end.Piola Giorgio 23–29 July 2002 Open Williams Autosprint it 30 30–31 Giorgio Piola Given the high temperatures expected during the race, Williams introduced large openings in the FW24's sidepods to enhance heat dissipation. Renault debuted a new improved version of their engine, as well as an aperture in the right side of the R202 cars to cool the right-hand side oil radiator. Practice Two one-hour practice sessions 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 Arrows did not take part in the Friday practice sessions because Walkinshaw kept the two cars in the pit lane after being urged to do little while negotiating with shareholders Morgan Grenfell to persuade the bank to allow new prospective investors into the team.Henry Alan 20 July 2002 Coulthard resigned to Ferrari double https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-coulthard-resigned-to-ferra/179008438/ 16 August 2025 The Guardian 13 Newspapers.com Alan HenryAllsop Derick 20 July 2002 Coulthard turns up heat in practice as Schumacher nears title https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-coulthard-turns-up-heat/179007781/ 16 August 2025 The Independent 5 Newspapers.com The first practice session on Friday morning was held in hot, sunny weather.19 July 2002 Session one: Barrichello on top in France http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10070.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020803223020/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10070.html 3 August 2002 16 August 2025 Formula1.com Barrichello set the fastest lap of 1:15.056 31 minutes in.Gray Will 19 July 2002 Friday First Free Practice – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8003/.html 16 August 2025 AtlasF1 Coulthard, Michael Schumacher, the Williams duo of Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen, Renault's Jenson Button, the Jaguar duo Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa and Jordan's Takuma Sato completed the top ten. Some drivers lost control of their cars during the session.19 July 2002 Free practice 1: Rubens pips Coulthard https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-1-rubens-pips-coulthard-5039944/5039944/ 16 August 2025 Autosport Toyota's Mika Salo was on a fast lap when Sato cut across him at the fast-right/left Imola turn. This meant Salo drove onto the run-off area but Sato's left-rear collided with Salo's right-front wheel because Sato did not yield for him. Salo returned slowly to the pit lane with front suspension damage but continued after checks by Toyota, despite damage to the car's steering. The second practice session, which took place later in the afternoon, was sunny.19 July 2002 McLaren dominate Free Practice http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36882 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041121091916/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36882 21 November 2004 16 August 2025 F1Racing.net19 July 2002 Practice report: McLaren one-two on Friday http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10071.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020803222900/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10071.html 3 August 2002 16 August 2025 Formula1.com Coulthard set the day's fastest lap of 1:14.025, 0.072 seconds quicker than his teammate Räikkönen. The Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Barrichello as well as Ralf Schumacher, Irvine, Salo, De la Rosa Button and Montoya followed in positions third through tenth.Gray Will 19 July 2002 Friday Second Free Practice – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8006/.html 16 August 2025 AtlasF1 Some drivers again went off the circuit. Less than four minutes in, Button's teammate Jarno Trulli took too much kerb through the Nurburgring chicane on his first run,19 July 2002 Practice 2: McLaren duo lead the way https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/practice-2-mclaren-duo-lead-the-way-5039935/5039935/ 16 August 2025 Autosport causing him to lose control of his Renault's rear. Trulli controlled the slide but he nudged the tyre barrier at the run-off area's edge, prematurely ending his session. Montoya and Sato removed components from their cars in excursions across the gravel trap. The third practice session on Saturday morning took place in sunny weather.20 July 2002 Session One: Ferrari back in front in France http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10087.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021203132830/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10087.html 3 December 2002 16 August 2025 Formula1.com Michael Schumacher was fastest with a time of 1:12.974 he set at the conclusion of the session and was the only driver to set a sub 1:13-lap. His teammate Barrichello was 0.529 seconds slower in second, followed by Räikkönen, his McLaren teammate Coulthard, Sauber's Felipe Massa, Montoya, Ralf Schumacher, Button, Massa's teammate Nick Heidfeld and BAR's Olivier Panis in positions three to ten.Gray Will 20 July 2002 Saturday First Free Practice – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8028/.html 16 August 2025 AtlasF120 July 2002 Practice 3: Easy for Schumacher https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/practice-3-easy-for-schumacher-5039881/5039881/ 16 August 2025 Autosport thumb|Giancarlo Fisichella (pictured in 2010) was withdrawn from the race by doctor Sid Watkins following a heavy accident in the final practice session. Although he failed to lap faster in the final practice session,20 July 2002 Practice 4: Arrows run, Fisichella shunts https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/practice-4-arrows-run-fisichella-shunts-5039869/5039869/ 16 August 2025 Autosport which took place in sunny weather,20 July 2002 Practice report: Schumi tops disrupted session http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10088.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020804004151/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10088.html 4 August 2002 16 August 2025 Formula1.com Michael Schumacher remained fastest overall after losing control of his Ferrari's rear heading towards the Adelaide hairpin.Gray Will 20 July 2002 Saturday Second Free Practice – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8032/.html 16 August 2025 AtlasF1 Räikkönen improved to second and his teammate Coulthard was third. Barrichello, Button, Montoya, Ralf Schumacher, Irvine, Heidfeld and Trulli followed in the top ten. Around 15 minutes in, Giancarlo Fisichella's front wing collapsed over the kerbs at the exit of the long fast right-hand Estoril corner early in the lap, folding under his Jordan car.20 July 2002 French Grand Prix Saturday Notebook http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=2481 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020822131651/http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=2481 22 August 2002 16 August 2025 Speed lifting the front wheels into the air off the tarmac surface.20 July 2002 Fisichella Taken to Hospital after High Speed Crash https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8031/.html 16 August 2025 AtlasF1 He lost frontal downforce, and lost control of his car, striking the outside tyre barrier.20 July 2002 Schumi leads as Fisi crashes http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36933 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041121092000/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36933 21 November 2004 16 August 2025 F1Racing.net Fisichella experienced a 125 mph km/h on hit at 34 g0 m/s2 on, leaving him confused, dazed and with no recollection of the accident.Quigley Declan 21 July 2002 Frentzen answers SOS from Jordan https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-independent-dublin-ed-frentzen/179013600/ 16 August 2025 Sunday Independent 9 Newspapers.com Although the car was structurally intact, it sustained suspension damage, and practice was stopped for 26 minutes as marshals repaired the tyre wall.21 July 2002 Fisichella sent home after crash https://www.newspapers.com/article/yorkshire-sports-fisichella-sent-home-af/179013066/ 16 August 2025 Yorkshire Sports 5 Newspapers.com Fisichella was left with a concussion, a cut finger, and a slightly stiff neck as a result of his crash. Sid Watkins, a doctor from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), examined him at the circuit's medical centre before flying him to Nevers for a brain scan.Fisichella Giancarlo Giancarlo Fisichella 14 August 2002 Giancarlo Fisichella: Through the Visor https://atlasf1.autosport.com/2002/hun/preview/fisichella.html AtlasF1 8 33 16 August 202520 July 2002 Fisichella to miss Qualifying http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36936 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041121092008/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36936 21 November 2004 16 August 2025 F1Racing.net23 July 2002 Fisichella should be fit for Hockenheim https://www.grandprix.com/news/fisichella-should-be-fit-for-hockenheim.html 16 August 2025 GrandPrix.com Although hospital scans revealed no serious injuries,20 July 2002 Hard crash puts Fisichella on sidelines https://www.espn.com/rpm/f1/2002/0720/1407996.html 16 August 2025 ESPN Reuters Watkins deemed Fisichella unfit to race, citing the risk of another major accident during the race because of the g-forces he experienced.20 July 2002 Fisichella will miss French GP https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/fisichella-will-miss-french-gp-5039884/5039884/ 16 August 2025 Autosport Qualifying left|thumb|upright|Juan Pablo Montoya secured his fifth consecutive pole position 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. Montoya and Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Barrichello battled it out in qualifying,20 July 2002 Flying Montoya on top again https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2140471.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20030408180003/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2140471.stm 8 April 2003 17 August 2025 BBC Sport in hot and sunny weather,20 July 2002 Free Practice and Qualifying http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/France/news2.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020817093348/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/France/news2.htm 17 August 2002 17 August 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile appearing to favour the Michelin-shod cars.20 July 2002 Qualifying report: Montoya does it again http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10090.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020803163116/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10090.html 3 August 2002 17 August 2025 Formula1.com Montoya secured his fifth successive pole position and sixth of the season with a 1:11.985 lap, the only driver to lap under 1:12 despite going wide at the final turn on his last quick lap.20 July 2002 Qualifying: Montoya's fifth pole in a row https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/qualifying-montoyas-fifth-pole-in-a-row-5039857/5039857/ 17 August 2025 AutosportHamilton Maurice 21 July 2002 Motor racing: Formula One: Button falls off as magnificent Montoya grabs pole again The Observer 6 250487888 Michael Schumacher qualified second, 0.023 seconds behind, after losing time on his final run despite adjusting his Ferrari.20 July 2002 2002 Mobil 1 Grand Prix de France – Team and Driver comments – Saturday http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/11/quotes-sat.phtml dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021028062155/http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/11/quotes-sat.phtml 28 October 2002 17 August 2025 Daily F1Dampf Andrew 21 July 2002 Montoya takes fifth straight pole spot https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-montoya-takes-fifth-str/179030394/ 17 August 2025 Edmonton Journal C4 Newspapers.com Associated Press He lost control of his Ferrari and cut across the gravel trap at the final chicane, invalidating his lap time. Michael Schumacher's third run was likewise invalidated for cutting the Nurburgring chicane.20 July 2002 Montoya scores fifth successive pole http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36941 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041121092012/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36941 21 November 2004 17 August 2025 F1Racing.net Barrichello, third, had his car modified in between sessions. Räikkönen made an error at the final corner, finishing fourth, his best qualifying result at the time, just slower than Barrichello.Tremayne David 21 July 2002 Formula One: Sacked Button looks on the bright side; French Grand Prix - Renault's blunt axeing of the young Briton eclipses Montoya's brilliance The Independent on Sunday 17 312062989 David Tremayne Ralf Schumacher, fifth, drove an unbalanced car and was unable to improve his lap when he slid entering the start/finish straight. Coulthard had an minor oversteer that improved during qualifying, taking sixth. The Renault duo qualified seventh and eighth. Button in seventh spent most of qualifying correcting oversteer and locking his tyres entering turn eight. For the third race in 2002, he qualified ahead of teammate Trulli, who was unable to push due to discomfort in his Renault on the limit. Irvine achieved his best qualifying result of 2002 at the time as well as Jaguar's first top ten starting position of the season in ninth. Heidfeld, tenth, was the final Bridgestone runner in the top ten. His team made minor tweaks to his racing setup for each run; Heidfeld had traffic on the second run. thumb|The Arrows team deliberately failed to qualify for the race amidst the team suffering from financial difficulties. Panis, 11th, had poor balance and understeer, but set his best time on his final run after pushing hard. Massa lapped faster on each run after Sauber improved his car, securing 12th. BAR's Jacques Villeneuve, 13th, used the latest Honda engine for qualifying and was happy with how his car performed in slow turns. Sato was the only Jordan driver that qualified when Fisichella withdrew from the event, securing 14th. He was sent out early in qualifying because Jordan temperatures increases and he improved marginally with each lap. De la Rosa pulled over at the pit lane exit with a loss in hydraulic pressure affecting the car's throttle control. He moved to his spare Jaguar setup, but that had a front wheel sensor problem and a loss of power once it was rectified, leaving him 15th. The Toyota pair of Salo and Allan McNish qualified 16th and 17th. Salo had grip problems for most of qualifying, while McNish believed Toyota would be slightly more competitive in the session. Minardi teammates Mark Webber and Alex Yoong were the final qualifiers in 18th and 19th. Webber's car stopped right before the pit lane exit due to a fuel pressure issue, forcing him to drive the spare Minardi car setup for him. Yoong's car understeered and he lost time on his last runs due to a fuel delivery issue. Arrows made a token appearance in qualifying to meet contractual agreements with Formula One to participate in the event and to avoid FIA-imposed fines for missing rounds of the championship after completing one installation lap in the closing ten minutes of the final practice session;Autocourse 2002–2003 Hazleton Publishing Ltd 2002 1-903135-10-9 Henry Alan Alan Henry 180 drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Enrique Bernoldi intentionally failed to lap inside 107% of Montoya's pole position time when they slowed in the final third of the lap. Both drivers completed three laps each and Arrows left the track after qualifying.Donaldson Gerald Gerald Donaldson 21 July 2002 Montoya takes pole for fifth time in succession https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-montoya-takes-pole-for/179030469/ 17 August 2025 Toronto Star E8 Newspapers.com Post-qualifying Jordan sponsor Deutsche Post sought to persuade Frentzen to join Jordan because it wanted a German driver to replace Fisichella in the race.27 July 2002 Frentzen hints at Jordan return https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2156289.stm 17 August 2025 BBC Sport The FIA permitted this under force majeure as long as there were no contractual concerns and all teams agreed 15 minutes before the warm-up session, but Frentzen would have to begin from the back row per the sporting regulations. Although all of the teams agreed, Frentzen's lawyer advised him not to join Jordan because his management was concerned about legal consequences from Walkinshaw.21 July 2002 Frentzen will not Race for Jordan https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8064/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 Qualifying classification Pos Position No Car number Driver Constructor Lap Gap Gap to the fastest driver Grid Final grid position 1 6 COL Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:11.985 — 1 2 1 DEU Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:12.008 +0.023 2 3 2 BRA Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:12.197 +0.212 3 4 4 FIN Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:12.244 +0.259 4 5 5 DEU Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW 1:12.424 +0.439 5 6 3 GBR David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1:12.498 +0.513 6 7 15 GBR Jenson Button Renault 1:12.761 +0.776 7 8 14 ITA Jarno Trulli Renault 1:13.030 +1.045 8 9 16 GBR Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth 1:13.188 +1.203 9 10 7 DEU Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas 1:13.370 +1.385 10 11 12 FRA Olivier Panis BAR-Honda 1:13.457 +1.472 11 12 8 BRA Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1:13.501 +1.516 12 13 11 CAN Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda 1:13.506 +1.521 13 14 10 JPN Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda 1:13.542 +1.557 14 15 17 ESP Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth 1:13.656 +1.671 15 16 24 FIN Mika Salo Toyota 1:13.837 +1.852 16 17 25 GBR Allan McNish Toyota 1:13.949 +1.964 17 18 23 AUS Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech 1:14.800 +2.815 18 19 22 MAS Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech 1:16.798 +4.813 19107% time: 1:17.023 DNQ Did not qualify 20 DEU Heinz-Harald Frentzen Arrows-Cosworth 1:18.497 +6.512 — DNQ Did not qualify 21 BRA Enrique Bernoldi Arrows-Cosworth 1:19.843 +7.858 — DNQ Did not qualify 9 ITA Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda 22 — 22 — 22 —Sources:http://www.fia.com/archive/F1/2002/011.html Grand Prix of France Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile https://web.archive.org/web/20121018180211/http://www.fia.com/archive/F1/2002/011.html 18 October 2012 26 December 2015 Warm-up On race morning, a half-hour warm-up session was held for teams to shake down their race and spare cars in dry and fine weather.21 July 2002 Ferrari set pace in Magny-Cours warm-up http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10108.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020810200540/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10108.html 10 August 2002 17 August 2025 Formula1.com Michael Schumacher set the fastest lap time of 1:14.174 towards the end of warm-up.Gray Will 21 July 2002 Sunday Warm Up – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8065/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 His teammate Barrichello was 0.714 seconds slower in second. Trulli, Massa, Heidfeld, Button, Räikkönen, Irvine, Coulthard and Panis rounded out the top ten. Sato's race car briefly stalled at the pit lane exit due to a launch control system failure after pressing the wrong button on the steering wheel.21 July 2002 Warm-up: Schuey shows who's boss https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/warm-up-schuey-shows-whos-boss-5039810/5039810/ 17 August 2025 Autosport21 July 2002 Warm-Up http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/France/news3.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021025224500/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/France/news3.htm 25 October 2002 17 August 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Ralf Schumacher spun twice during the session, firstly at the Chateau d'Eau turn and then at the Adelaide hairpin. Race The 72-lap race began at 14:00 local time in slightly overcast conditions that later brightened.21 July 2002 French Grand Prix Lap-by-Lap http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/11896 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020805133538/http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/11896 5 August 2002 17 August 2025 ITV-F1 The air temperature was between 24 and 27 C F and the track temperature was at 38 C F on.21 July 2002 Schu did it! http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36997 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119235327/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=36997 19 November 2004 17 August 2025 F1Racing.net There was an attendance of 106,000 spectators. Michael Schumacher chose to start in the spare Ferrari, believing it handled better than his race car.Elizalde Pablo 24 July 2002 The 2002 French GP Review https://atlasf1.autosport.com/2002/fra/elizalde.html AtlasF1 8 30 17 August 2025 Following Fisichella's withdrawal and the Arrows team's failure to qualify, 19 cars were scheduled to start,2002 : Magny-Cours – Congrulations Michael Schumacher! http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 17 August 2025 F1-Live.com2002 : Magny-Cours (Race Commentary) http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080525/http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html 1 August 2003 17 August 2025 F1-Live.com but at the start of the formation lap, Barrichello's Ferrari remained on the front jack on the starting grid due to an unidentified electrical failure.Hilton Christopher https://archive.org/details/grandprixshowdow0000hilt Grand Prix Showdown! The Full Drama of Every Championship-deciding Grand Prix Since 1950 Haynes Publishing 2009 978-1-84425-709-6 Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset 339–342 2002 – Alone With Fangio – French Grand Prix, Magny-Cours registrationCollings Timothy 22 July 2002 Schumacher accepts the invitation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-schumacher-accepts-t/179085683/ 17 August 2025 The Daily Telegraph S4 Newspapers.com A steering wheel replacement and an effort by the mechanics to restart Barrichello's car failed to correct the problem, thus his Ferrari was pushed into the pit lane, and Barrichello did not start the race.21 July 2002 French GP 2002 – Schu champ after Kimi's mistake http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2077 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030905025536/http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2077 5 September 2003 17 August 2025 Crash21 July 2002 Report: Schuey grabs fifth world title https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/report-schuey-grabs-fifth-world-title-5039799/5039799/ 17 August 2025 Autosport This resulted in 18 starters, the fewest since the 1975 Monaco Grand Prix. When the race began, Montoya cut across Michael Schumacher to keep the lead into the first corner.21 July 2002 Lapwatch: French Grand Prix https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2141894.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20021203154336/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2141894.stm 3 December 2002 17 August 2025 BBC Sport Massa made a brisk start, moving from 12th to seventh, however, he jumped the start after prematurely releasing his launch control system.Scarborough Craig 31 July 2002 2002 French & German GP Technical Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/ger/scarborough.html AtlasF1 8 31 17 August 2025 Massa turned sharply to the left to avoid colliding with teammate Heidfeld. Sato tried to pass Panis further back, but they collided and ended up in the gravel trap at the first turn. De la Rosa also entered the gravel trap to avoid striking Panis and Sato.Grand Prix Results: French GP, 2002 http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr691.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021014527/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr691.html 21 October 2002 17 August 2025 GrandPrix.com Michael Schumacher was close behind Montoya and began pressuring him for the lead.2002: Round 11: France: Magny Cours http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/france/race.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020805025026/http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/france/race.html 5 August 2002 17 August 2025 Formula1.com At the conclusion of the first lap, Montoya led Michael Schumacher by 0.4 seconds, followed by Räikkönen, Ralf Schumacher, Coulthard and Button. Panis entered the pit lane for a new front wing and tyres. On lap three, Michael Schumacher tried to pass Montoya on the outside at the Adelaide hairpin but was driven wide. Räikkönen drew in-between both Montoya and Michael Schumacher, taking the optimal line out of the hairpin, but Schumacher cut him off at the Nurburgring turn to held second. Following that, Montoya drove defensively but was able to open up a small lead over Michael Schumacher with to the BMW engine's power, while Räikkönen remained close behind Schumacher. On lap six, Massa was issued a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. He took the penalty two laps later. When Massa left the pit lane, he crossed the white line dividing the pit lane exit from the circuit to stay ahead of Sato. Yoong spun at the Adelaide hairpin on lap eight but continued. Two laps later, Massa received a second drive-through penalty for crossing the white line at the pit lane exit, which he immediately took. Villeneuve battled McNish for 11th on lap 13 when he locked the brakes entering the Adelaide hairpin but avoided colliding with him. thumb|left|upright|David Coulthard (pictured in 2009) finished in third place The first round of pit stops began on lap 20. All leading drivers planned for two stops whereas Renault planned for three. Button, who was sixth, was the first of the leaders to make a 9.6-second pit stop, dropping him to ninth. Ralf Schumacher's first stop came two laps later. He was stationary for 7.2 seconds, falling behind Coulthard. On lap 24, Montoya made his first pit stop from the lead, and Michael Schumacher took the lead. His 8.4-second stop for a used pair of tyres dropped him to fourth, ahead of teammate Ralf Schumacher. Sato understeered across the gravel trap and into the tyre barrier at Lycee corner after narrowly avoiding striking De la Rosa, which put him off the racing line, causing him to become stuck in the gravel trap and retire. Michael Schumacher pushed his pace at the front to get ahead of Montoya after his first scheduled pit stop. Although a Jaguar baulked him, he entered the pit lane on lap 26 for a 8.4-second stop. Michael Schumacher resumed the circuit in third, trailing the yet-to-pit McLarens but just ahead of Montoya. When he returned to the racing line, his right-front wheel crossed the white pit lane exit line. The McLaren pair of Räikkönen and Coulthard made their pit stops on laps 27 and 28, returning Michael Schumacher to the lead. On lap 32, Panis entered the BAR garage to retire with car damage and concerns with a bad vibration that BAR was unable to trace.Eason Kevin 22 July 2002 Kevin Eason assesses how the teams fared at Magny-Cours; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A89398890/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=cc68806e subscription 17 August 2025 The Times 22 Gale Academic OneFile While Michael Schumacher was expanding his lead over Montoya by about a second per lap in clear air, the stewards issued a drive-through penalty on him for crossing the pit lane exit line rejoining the circuit on lap 34. Michael Schumacher served the penalty on lap 35, dropping to third behind Montoya and just behind Räikkönen but ahead of Ralf Schumacher. On lap 37, Villeneuve went off onto the grass, smoke streaming from his car's back due to an engine failure. At half distance, the first five drivers were separated by 3.5 seconds, but this increased to 4.4 seconds after 40 laps. On lap 42, both Räikkönen and Michael Schumacher were lapping McNish with Schumacher pressuring Räikkönen. He used the situation to go between McNish and Räikkönen, attempting to pass Räikkönen on the inside at the Adelaide hairpin but failing. On the following lap, Montoya made his second pit stop from the lead, beginning in the second round of stops. He stopped for 11.6 seconds, and his car stuttered as he drove away, dropping to sixth and promoting Räikkönen to the lead. Ralf Schumacher made his second pit stop from fourth on lap 44, crossing the pit lane exit line. At the front, Räikkönen and Michael Schumacher replied by instantly increasing their pace, with Räikkönen matching Schumacher's pace. Ferrari was ready for Michael Schumacher's second pit stop on lap 47, but he stayed on the circuit for another lap before entering the pit lane. He fell to third, behind Coulthard. Ralf Schumacher received a drive-through penalty for crossing the pit lane exit line on lap 49. On lap 49, Räikkönen made his second pit stop from the lead. His 8.7-second stop saw him drop to second, behind teammate Coulthard but just ahead of Michael Schumacher. Räikkönen held off challenges on his out-lap from Michael Schumacher to keep second. On lap 50, Massa stopped in the pit lane with a gearbox-related issue, while Trulli retired at the side of the circuit with an engine failure. Salo also pulled off, with flames and fire pouring from the car's rear. On lap 53, Irvine's rear wing failed at 170 mph km/h on due to collapsed end plates on the lower element,Henry Alan 22 July 2002 Invincible Ferrari celebrate another title with six races to spare https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-invincible-ferrari-celebrat/179085790/ 17 August 2025 The Guardian 8 Newspapers.com Alan Henry spinning into the gravel trap at the Adelaide hairpin under braking because he lost rear downforce without the rear wing. Irvine exited his Jaguar unhurt but retired. Coulthard made his second pit stop from the lead on lap 54. His 7.7-second stop dropped him to third, trailing teammate Räikkönen and just behind Michael Schumacher but his wheel crossed the pit lane exit line. thumb|right|The decisive moment of the race where Kimi Räikkönen ran wide, allowing Michael Schumacher to pass him for the lead.Montoya and Ralf Schumacher of Williams had dropped back from the front three as Montoya suffered with tyre wear, cause Ralf Schumacher to close in and challenge his teammate. On lap 58, the stewards issued Coulthard a drive-through penalty for breaching the pit lane exit line while he was pressuring Michael Schumacher. Coulthard took the penalty on lap 59 but remained in third, ahead of the two Williams drivers. On lap 62, he set a new track race lap record of 1:15.045 in an attempt to close up but was too far back to challenge for the win. McNish spun into the run-off area at the Adelaide hairpin and was facing the opposite direction after an engine issue caused him to retire on lap 68. Marshals were waving yellow flags to warn drivers of McNish's car, which had beached on the hairpin's apex, but none to warn of oil dropped by the Toyota entering the hairpin.Allsop Derick 22 July 2002 Schumacher joins Fangio as five-time champion https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-schumacher-joins-fangio/179085715/ 17 August 2025 The Independent 9 Newspapers.comEason Kevin 22 July 2002 Weight of the world off Schumacher's shoulders; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A89398888/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=1a092def subscription 18 August 2025 The Times 22 Gale Academic OneFile Räikkönen failed to notice McNish's oil and ran over it, causing him to lock his brakes while attempting to maintain control of his McLaren and running off the racing line in a wide arc and went far off the racing surface. Michael Schumacher also ran onto the oil but controlled his Ferrari as he was further back as to not run over it as much as Räikkönen had. He drew alongside Räikkönen on the inside and accelerated earlier than him to claim the race lead, ending Räikkönen's chance to achieve his first victory.thumb|This race saw Michael Schumacher clinch his fifth world championship title, equalling Juan Manuel Fangio's record set in 1957.|left Michael Schumacher asked Brawn on the radio if he had passed Räikkönen under yellow flags and if he should let Räikkönen back by, but was told no. Räikkönen remained close behind Michael Schumacher, but Schumacher held on for the final five laps to claim his eighth victory in the season's 11 races and 61st of his career. Michael Schumacher won the 2002 Drivers' Championship as Montoya could not catch his championship points total in the six remaining races, equalling Fangio's record of five world titles.21 July 2025 23 years ago, Michael Schumacher equaled Juan-Manuel Fangio by winning a fifth title https://www.autohebdof1.com/news/f1/11-years-ago-Michael-Schumacher-tied-Juan-Manuel-Fangio.html 17 August 2025 Auto Hebdo He also broke Nigel Mansell's ten-year record of winning the championship with the most Grands Prix remaining in a season.Esler William 25 October 2015 The earliest drivers' championship wins in F1 history https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10028202/earliest-f1-title-wins live https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011003/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10028202/earliest-f1-title-wins 12 November 2020 17 August 2025 Sky Sports Räikkönen finished second, 1.104 seconds behind, his best result of the season.Dampf Andrew 22 July 2002 Schumacher shoo-in to win 5th world title after French victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-schumacher-shoo-i/179150493/ 18 August 2025 The Hamilton Spectator B10 Newspapers.com Associated Press Coulthard finished third in a McLaren with understeer. Montoya was fourth due to balance and a reduction in grip as the race progressed, ahead of his teammate Ralf Schumacher in fifth. Button's three-stop strategy helped him earn the last championship point by finishing sixth. Heidfeld finished seventh despite losing time due to an early-race traction control system failure and a gearbox electronics issue. Webber and Yoong of Minardi had hydraulic and fuel circuit pressure issues, but they finished eighth and tenth due to the team's aggressive race strategy, with Jaguar's De la Rosa in ninth. Post-race The top three drivers appeared on the podium to collect their trophies and spoke to the media in the subsequent press conference. Michael Schumacher described his feeling that the final five laps were "the worst five laps I have had in my career because the weight was on my shoulders, the pressure was on not to make mistakes and not do anything wrong."21 July 2002 Post-Race Press Conference – French GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8077/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 He added, "I was just so glad that we have achieved this together with a tremendous team, with people behind who you can just love and can just admire with the effort that they put in, the workload, the motivation they have." Räikkönen praised his McLaren and the team for their work during the pit stops. He admitted he was at fault for losing his maiden victory, "It was the most disappointing race of my life but that's the way it goes, and next time I hope we can win." Coulthard remarked that he did not expect McLaren to be duelling for the lead and was astonished by their pace relative to the Williams squad in the race's opening laps, adding, "Just looking at the laps from the end, where our fastest laps are and everything, it is all quite close. It does surprise me." thumb|left|upright|Comments made by McLaren CEO Ron Dennis (pictured in 2000) led the stewards to investigate the overtaking manoevure on Räikkönen by Michael Schumacher. McLaren CEO Ron Dennis accused Michael Schumacher of passing Räikkönen in a yellow flag zone at the Adelaide hairpin before moving into a green flag zone.21 July 2002 Schumacher's French GP Victory Under Threat? http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=2497 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020822120402/http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=2497 22 August 2002 17 August 2025 Speed Dennis' comments drew the attention of the FIA stewards even though he did not register an official complaint. Race director Charlie Whiting was concerned that Michael Schumacher had passed Räikkönen under yellow flags, therefore Schumacher, a Ferrari member, Dennis and Räikkönen were summoned to the stewards' office to discuss the manoeuvre.21 July 2002 Schumacher Win in Question, Stewards Launch Inquiry https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8084/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 The stewards reviewed video footage of the pass and spoke with the drivers and their representatives. While the stewards accepted Michael Schumacher passed Räikkönen in a yellow flag area, they assessed Räikkönen to be off the track, and no further action was required, thereby confirming Schumacher's fifth title win two hours after the race. McLaren issued a statement accepting the stewards' ruling but sought clarification on the rules about overtaking under yellow flags. Gerhard Schröder, the Chancellor of Germany, officially congratulated Michael Schumacher for his championship win in a telegram, calling it "A fantastic victory in an already unique career."21 July 2002 German Chancellor Cheers Schumacher Triumph https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8085/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the Italian president and the prime minister Silvio Berlusconi also praised Michael Schumacher, noting his success was aided by Italian engineering.22 July 2002 Italian Media Bow Down Before King Michael https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8095/.html 17 August 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters Three-time world champion Niki Lauda and 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter heralded Michael Schumacher as the greatest Formula One driver.24 July 2002 Lauda joins Schumi tributes https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2148690.stm 17 August 2025 BBC Sport Church bells in Maranello, the Italian town where Ferrari's headquarters are based, were rang by the parish priest with 600 fans celebrating Schumacher's accomplishment. Celebrations by German and Italian fans were reported on Adriatic Sea beaches. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo flew to France to organise a celebration of Schumacher's title victory. Barrichello left the track quickly because he was angry over his failure to start.21 July 2002 Barrichello Returns to France to Celebrate with Ferrari https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8090/.html 18 August 2025 AtlasF1 He said, "We will have to investigate the problem to find the cause, but in my opinion it was a different problem to the one I experienced at Silverstone." Montoya stated that he was losing grip in a car he found difficult to drive as the race progressed.21 July 2002 Montoya frustrated by lack of grip https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/montoya-frustrated-by-lack-of-grip-5039777/5039777/ 18 August 2025 Autosport Williams chief operations director Sam Michael said that the team's tyre choice appeared to be an error and their race performance was "not enough." Button commented on his sixth-place finish, "It's good to score another point for Renault, and particularly here in France. I was managing to keep up with the leaders at the start of the race, even though I had a little less fuel onboard."21 July 2002 Button Glad to Score for Renault at Home https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/jul/report.php/id/8076/.html 18 August 2025 AtlasF1 The race result left Michael Schumacher as the World Drivers' Champion with 96 championship points. Montoya's fourth-place finish moved him from third to second while Barrichello's failure to start dropped him from second to third. Ralf Schumacher remained fourth while Coulthard stayed fifth. Ferrari maintained its lead in the World Constructors' Championship with 128 championship points, strengthening their lead over second-placed Williams by five championship points. McLaren remained in third with 47 championship points, ahead of Renault on 15 and Sauber on 10 with six rounds remaining in the season. 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 1 DEU Michael Schumacher Ferrari Bridgestone 72 1:32:09.837 2 10 2 4 FIN Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 72 +1.104 4 6 3 3 GBR David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 72 +31.975 6 4 4 6 COL Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Michelin 72 +40.675 1 3 5 5 DEU Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW Michelin 72 +41.772 5 2 6 15 GBR Jenson Button Renault Michelin 71 +1 lap 7 1 7 7 DEU Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 71 +1 lap 10   8 23 AUS Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 71 +1 lap 18   9 17 ESP Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 70 +2 laps 15   10 22 MAS Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 68 +4 laps 19   11 25 GBR Allan McNish Toyota Michelin 65 Engine 17   Ret Retired 16 GBR Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 52 Rear wing 9   Ret Retired 14 ITA Jarno Trulli Renault Michelin 49 Engine 8   Ret Retired 8 BRA Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 48 Transmission 12   Ret Retired 24 FIN Mika Salo Toyota Michelin 48 Engine 16   Ret Retired 11 CAN Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda Bridgestone 35 Engine 13   Ret Retired 12 FRA Olivier Panis BAR-Honda Bridgestone 29 Collision damage 11   Ret Retired 10 JPN Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda Bridgestone 23 Spin 14   DNS Did not start 2 BRA Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Bridgestone — Ignition 3   DNQ Did not qualify 20 DEU Heinz-Harald Frentzen Arrows-Cosworth Bridgestone — 107% rule 20 —   DNQ Did not qualify 21 BRA Enrique Bernoldi Arrows-Cosworth Bridgestone — 107% rule 21 —   DNQ Did not qualify 9 ITA Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda Bridgestone — Injury 22 — Sources:2002 French Grand Prix http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2002/14/ Formula1.com 26 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20141013125314/http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2002/14/ 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* 96 10px 1 2 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya 34 10px 1 3 Brazil Rubens Barrichello 32 10px 4 Germany Ralf Schumacher 32 10px 5 UK David Coulthard 30Sources:https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/france/championnat.aspx France 2002 – Championship StatsF1 17 March 2019 Constructors' Championship standings +/– Championship positions gained, maintained or lost Pos Position Constructor Points 10px 1 Italy Ferrari* 128 10px 2 UK Williams-BMW* 66 10px 3 UK McLaren-Mercedes* 47 10px 4 France Renault 15 10px 5 Switzerland Sauber-Petronas 10Sources: Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings. Bold text and an asterisk indicates competitors who still had a theoretical chance of becoming World Champion. References External links French Grand Prix 2002 2002 British Grand Prix 2002 German Grand Prix 2001 French Grand Prix 2003 French Grand Prix French Grand Prix Category:French Grand Prix Grand Prix French Grand Prix