2002 Japanese Grand Prix

F1 Japan Japanese 2002 Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix 13 October Suzuka circuit map (1987-2002).svg 2002 2002 United States Grand Prix 2003 Australian Grand Prix 17 17 Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Mie, Japan Permanent racing facility 5.821 3.617 53 308.317Japanese Grand Prix – Round 17, October 13, 2002 http://www.fia.com/freepress/F1_guide_2002/Japan.html Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 18 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20030303050528/http://www.fia.com/freepress/F1_guide_2002/Japan.html 3 March 2003 191.579 Sunny, Air: 26 C F, Track 30 C FF1 Racing. November 2002. 326,000https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2022_japanesegp_mediakit_english.pdf Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix 2022 – Media Kit Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 5 October 2022 5 October 2022 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:31.317 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:36.125 15 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes JPN 2002 Japanese GP http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2002&gp=Japanese%20GP&r=1 ChicaneF1 16 October 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131204153136/http://chicanef1.com/racetit.pl?year=2002&gp=Japanese%20GP&r=1 4 December 20132002 Japanese Grand Prix https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2002-japanese-grand-prix/ Motor Sport 19 October 20252002 Japanese Grand Prix results http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2085.html ESPN 16 October 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20131011214415/http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/race/2085.html 11 October 2013 dead The 2002 Japanese Grand Prix, formally the 2002 Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix, was a Formula One motor race that was held at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan on 13 October 2002, before a crowd of 155,000 spectators. It was the 17th and final round of the 2002 Formula One World Championship. Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher won the 53-lap race from pole position. His teammate Rubens Barrichello finished in second and McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen was third. World Drivers' Champion Michael Schumacher qualified on pole position after setting the fastest overall lap time in the one hour qualifying session. Barrichello started from second, with McLaren's David Coulthard third. Michael Schumacher maintained his pole position advantage going into the first corner and maintained the lead for most of the race, except for one lap during the first round of pit stops when he relinquished it to Barrichello, leading to Ferrari's one-two finish. His teammate Barrichello finished second, 0.506 seconds behind, when Michael Schumacher slowed in the last laps of the race. Räikkönen took third when Williams driver Ralf Schumacher's engine failed with five laps remaining. It was Michael Schumacher's 11th victory of the season and 64th in Formula One; he also became the first driver to finish on the podium at every Grand Prix of the season. Ferrari won 15 races this season, matching McLaren's record set in 1988. As a result of the race, Michael Schumacher concluded the year with a season-record 144 championship points scored in the World Drivers' Championship, a record 67 championship points ahead of his teammate Barrichello. Ferrari scored 221 championship points in the World Constructors' Championship, as many as the other ten teams combined. Background The 2002 Japanese Grand Prix was the 17th and final round of the 2002 Formula One World Championship. It was held at the 5.821 km mi on Suzuka Circuit in the city of Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan on 13 October 2002.7 October 2002 Suzuka – Fact File http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39180 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119105744/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39180 19 November 2004 16 October 2025 F1Racing.net After the previous year's race, the track was shortened by 38 m on from 5.859 km mi on by realigning key turns to allow for wider run-off areas.4 October 2006 The Suzuka circuit in detail http://www.hondaracingf1.com/en/index.php?section=8&item=1714&type=1 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061102211213/http://www.hondaracingf1.com/en/index.php?section=8&item=1714&type=1 2 November 2006 16 October 2025 Honda Racing F1 The S-curves and Dunlop Curves were partially realigned and the retaining barriers were relocated back. The Formula Dream and Integra Type-R Challenge Cup held support races during the race weekend.4 October 2002 2002 Japanese Grand Prix Preview https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/10/04/148550.html 1 November 2025 The Auto Channel Before the race, both the World Drivers' Championship and World Constructors' Championship were already won, with Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher having secured the World Drivers' Championship six rounds earlier at the 2002 French and Ferrari took the World Constructors' Championship two races after that at the 2002 Hungarian, with Williams too many championship points behind to be able to catch them.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 The main focus of attention was the battle for third place in the World Drivers' Championship with six points separating Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya, his teammate Ralf Schumacher and McLaren's David Coulthard, which would be determined in Suzuka.Tremayne David David Tremayne 1 October 2002 Records tumble for runaway Ferrari https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-records-tumble-for-runaw/183084247/ 16 October 2025 The Independent 28 Newspapers.com10 October 2002 On track – Formula One – Japanese Grand Prix https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-on-track-formula-one-ja/183084225/ 16 October 2025 The Province A57 Newspapers.com The Canadian Press Following the 2002 United States on 29 September, most of the teams tested car and mechanical components, racing setups and tyres at various European circuits in preparation for the Japanese Grand Prix.1 October 2002 Wurz Sets the Pace at Barcelona – Day One https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8733/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF14 October 2002 Coming Event : Japanese Grand Prix – Suzuka – 11- 13 October 2002 http://www.fia.com/presse/f1updt-a/2002/04-10-2002.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030428015459/http://www.fia.com/presse/f1updt-a/2002/04-10-2002.pdf 28 April 2003 16 October 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile The British American Racing (BAR), McLaren, Toyota and Williams all conducted three-day tests at Spain's Circuit de Barcelona.1 October 2002 Final pre-race test begins http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10762.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021003083521/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10762.html 3 October 2002 16 October 2002 Formula1.com Alexander Wurz, McLaren's test driver, was quickest on the opening two days, breaking the track lap record on the second day.2 October 2002 Barcelona, day 2: Wurz breaks record https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/barcelona-day-2-wurz-breaks-record-5036521/5036521/ 16 October 2025 Autosport Williams test driver Antônio Pizzonia lapped fastest on the final day.3 October 2002 Pizzonia Tops the Times at Barcelona – Day Three https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8747/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF1 Jordan's Takuma Sato tested for two days at the Silverstone Circuit in England,3 October 2002 Jordan and Renault in Action at Silverstone https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8743/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF1 while Renault test driver Oliver Gavin did so for three days.4 October 2002 Gavin wraps up week of Renault tests http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39148 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119105727/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39148 19 November 2004 16 October 2025 F1Racing.net Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer and Sauber tested for three day at Italy's Mugello Circuit.2 October 2002 Testing October 1st: Mugello Day One http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10766.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021217004458/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10766.html 17 December 2002 16 October 2025 Formula1.com2 October 2002 Badoer Again Quicker than Massa at Mugello – Day Two https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8741/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF1 Luciano Burti spent three days testing Ferrari's Bridgestone tyres at Spain's Circuito de Jerez.1 October 2002 Burti Kicks Off Jerez Test for Ferrari https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8734/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF12 October 2002 Burti tests at Jerez http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39102 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119105656/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39102 19 November 2004 16 October 2025 F1Racing.net Badoer finished Ferrari's race preparations with two days of wet-weather tyre testing at Italy's Fiorano Circuit.5 October 2002 Testing October 5th: Fiorano Day Two http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10796.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021216230949/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10796.html 16 December 2002 16 October 2025 Formula1.com5 October 2002 Ferrari Complete Fiorano Test https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8755/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF1 thumb|left|upright|Felipe Massa (pictured in 2007) returned to drive for Sauber after missing the 2002 United States to avoid a ten-place grid penalty. Michael Schumacher had the chance to be the first driver to finish on the podium at every round of the season,Baldwin Alan 8 October 2002 Feature: Schumacher Aims to End 2002 on a High https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8763/.html 16 October 2025 AtlasF1 Reuters and could extend his record for wins in a season to 11.Jenkins Chris Fogarty Mark 8 October 2002 Zooming into uncharted turf; F1's Schumacher so dominant, officials may aim to slow him USA Today C01 408911691 He stated that he hoped to win the Grand Prix so he could start the winter break with a win,9 October 2002 Schuey wants to finish with a win https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/schuey-wants-to-finish-with-a-win-5036285/5036285/ 16 October 2025 Autosport adding, "I am definitely on a mission here. Rubens has confirmed second place in the championship now, so here the competition is open. I am going to go flat out. I am not here to make the racing interesting, I am here to win."Allen James James Allen (journalist) 11 October 2002 Ferrari power on through the gloom Financial Times 16 249364976 McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen trained and acclimatised in Hawaii and said of the upcoming race, "I am looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix, as the track offers a perfect combination of challenges. These include medium and high speed corners, gradient changes and sweeping straights, which make Suzuka exciting to drive and, hopefully, spectate at."10 October 2002 McLaren drivers looking forward to Japanese GP http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10827.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021011190202/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10827.html 11 October 2002 17 October 2025 Formula1.com Barrichello stated he had enjoyed the season and looked forward to performing decently in Japan.4 October 2002 Barrichello breaks in Brazil http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39149 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119105732/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39149 19 November 2004 16 October 2025 F1Racing.net Montoya admitted he would be surprised if his team could compete with Ferrari at Suzuka. Ten constructors represented by a racing team entered two drivers each for the event.Formula One 2002 Japanese Grand Prix Information https://motorsportstats.com/results/fia-formula-one-world-championship/2002/japanese-grand-prix/info 17 October 2025 Motorsport Stats The weekend was the final race for Toyota's Mika Salo and Jaguar's Eddie Irvine.10 October 2002 It's just another race says Salo https://www.newspapers.com/article/lancashire-telegraph-its-just-another-r/183147683/ 17 October 2025 Lancashire Telegraph 71 Newspapers.com17. Japan 2002 https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/japon.aspx 17 October 2025 StatsF1 Felipe Massa returned to drive for Sauber after team owner Peter Sauber replaced him with Heinz-Harald Frentzen for the United States Grand Prix to avoid a ten-place grid penalty for colliding with Jaguar's Pedro de la Rosa at the 2002 Italian.4 October 2002 Massa confirmed for Japanese return https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/massa-confirmed-for-japanese-return-5036456/5036456/ 17 October 2025 Autosport The Arrows team missed its fifth consecutive Grand Prix due to financial problems that had persisted for three months.14 October 2002 Ferrari control of F1 rolls on The Mercury 42 353334433 Because this was the season's final race, all of the teams were focused on working on their 2003 cars and did not introduce any major technical innovations to Suzuka.Piola Giorgio 15–21 October 2002 Honda chiude con l'evoluzione Honda ends with evolution Autosprint it 30–31 Giorgio Piola McLaren made use of upgraded rear end components for the first time. Honda provided BAR and Jordan with a more powerful engine. 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 Conditions for the first practice session on Friday morning were sunny.Collings Timothy 11 October 2002 Friday First Free Practice – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8780/.html 17 October 2025 AtlasF1 Michael Schumacher posted the quickest lap time of 1:36.109 just before halfway through the session.11 October 2002 Free practice 1: Surprise, surprise https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-1-surprise-surprise-5036191/5036191/ 17 October 2025 Autosport His teammate Barrichello, the McLaren duo of Coulthard and Räikkönen, the Williams pair of Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, Irvine, Renault's Jarno Trulli, De la Rosa and Trulli's teammate Jenson Button completed the top ten. 27 minutes into the session, Jacques Villeneuve lost control of his BAR car's rear over the kerbing at the Spoon Curve corner exit, possibly due to a traction control system issue.11 October 2002 Practice report: McLaren set Friday pace at Suzuka http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10831.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021011124210/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10831.html 11 October 2002 17 October 2025 Formula1.com He veered to the left and spun into the tyre barrier, heavily damaging the vehicle's front and rear and covering the circuit with carbon fibre shards.Henry Alan 12 October 2002 Villeneuve and Montoya survive practice crashes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-villeneuve-and-montoya-surv/183170643/ 17 October 2025 The Guardian 16–17 Newspapers.com Alan Henry Villeneuve was unhurt and exited his car unaided.Hallbery Andy 11 October 2002 McLaren Springs Surprise 1–2 http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=3743 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021225165940/http://www.speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=3743 25 December 2002 24 October 2025 SpeedMuradov Boris November 2002 Гран При Японии: Банзай! Japanese Grand Prix: Banzai! https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/formula/2002/2002_11.pdf Formula 1 Magazine ru 11 44–54 19 October 2025 Porsche Cars History Practice was stopped for ten minutes to allow marshals to clear the debris from the track.11 October 2002 Session one: Ferrari quick, Villeneuve too quick http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10830.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021011123748/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10830.html 11 October 2002 17 October 2025 Formula1.com When Olivier Panis slowed to check on his teammate Villeneuve's condition, his engine stalled further across the track because he slowed down too much.11 October 2002 Free Practice http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news1.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021101092800/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news1.htm 1 November 2002 17 October 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile right horizontal 240 Jacques Villeneuve 2002.jpg Juan Pablo Montoya (cropped).jpg Jacques Villeneuve (left) and Juan Pablo Montoya (right) suffered separate accidents during the Friday free practice sessions It remained sunny and warm for the second practice session later in the afternoon.11 October 2002 McLaren lead Friday at Suzuka http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39317 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119105936/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39317 19 November 2004 17 October 2025 F1Racing.netCollings Timothy 11 October 2002 Friday Second Free Practice – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8782/.html 17 October 2025 AtlasF1 Räikkönen set the day's fastest lap of 1:34.232, 0.498 seconds quicker than his teammate Coulthard. Barrichello, the Williams duo of Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, Michael Schumacher, the Jaguar pairing of Irvine and De la Rosa, Trulli and Jordan's Giancarlo Fisichella made up positions three through ten. With 12 minutes remaining, Montoya understeered off the circuit at the tight initial right-hand Degner Curve turn and collided with the tyre wall at the next turn with the car's left-hand side at high speed, severely damaging the rear and left-hand side.11 October 2002 Free practice 2: Kimi heads Coulthard https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-2-kimi-heads-coulthard-5036193/5036193/ 17 October 2025 Autosport Although he admitted to feeling sore, Montoya was unhurt. A hydraulic fault limited Michael Schumacher to four laps; Alex Yoong's Minardi car had a hydraulic problem as well as a minor fire under the back. Sato spun into the gravel at Degner Curve turn but returned to the circuit. The third practice session, held on Saturday morning, was sunny and warm.12 October 2002 Ferrari back on top http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39362 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041201065627/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39362 1 December 2004 17 October 2025 F1Racing.netCollings Timothy 12 October 2002 Saturday First Free Practice – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8802/.html 17 October 2025 AtlasF1 Michael Schumacher set the first sub-1:33 lap of the weekend with a time of 1:32.978 with 15 minutes remaining.12 October 2002 Free practice 3: Schuey shows the way https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-3-schuey-shows-the-way-5036140/5036140/ 17 October 2025 Autosport12 October 2002 Session one: Ferrari on top at Suzuka http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10849.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021012132035/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10849.html 12 October 2002 17 October 2025 Formula1.com His teammate Barrichello was 0.710 seconds slower in second. Ralf Schumacher, the McLaren team of Coulthard and Räikkönen, Montoya, Trulli, Irvine, Fisichella and Massa rounded out the top ten. After the session ended, Sato's engine failed on the back straight, approaching the 130R corner. Flames poured from the rear of his car but he was unhurt. Toyota's Allan McNish entered the pit lane after his engine failed, limiting him to four laps. The final practice session took place in sunny weather.12 October 2002 Schumachers dominate practice http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39364 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119110005/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39364 19 November 2004 17 October 2025 F1Racing.net Michael Schumacher did not improve his lap time from the previous sesion, although he remained fastest overall.12 October 2002 Free practice 4: No stopping Schuey https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/free-practice-4-no-stopping-schuey-5036128/5036128/ 17 October 2025 Autosport Ralf Schumacher moved from third to second place by 0.255 seconds on the fastest lap time. Following in the top ten were Räikkönen, Montoya, Coulthard, Barrichello, Irvine, Sato, Button and Massa.Collings Timothy 12 October 2002 Saturday Second Free Practice – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8804/.html 17 October 2025 AtlasF1 Panis stopped at the exit from under the bridge (crossover) with 20 minutes to go because of a possible gearbox fault. Minardi's Mark Webber stopped on the straight past the hairpin in the final minute due to a broken gearbox input shaft.12 October 2002 Free Practice and Qualifying http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news2.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021101093146/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news2.htm 1 November 2002 17 October 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Qualifying thumb|left|upright|Michael Schumacher (pictured in 2005), the 2000 Formula One Drivers' Champion. 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 took place in fine conditions.12 October 2002 Qualifying report: Schumi sweeps to Suzuka pole http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10855.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021012153516/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10855.html 12 October 2002 18 October 2025 Formula1.com Michael Schumacher was fastest after his first flying lap, then lowered his time to 1:31.317 to clinch his seventh pole position of the season and 50th overall.12 October 2002 Schumacher secures 50th pole http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2322061.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021202025629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2322061.stm 2 December 2002 18 October 2025 BBC SportZanca Salvatore 13 October 2002 Ferrari leads charge in Japan GP front row https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-ferrari-leads-charge-in/183213056/ 18 October 2025 Edmonton Journal C10 Newspapers.com Associated Press He believed he might have lapped faster after adjusting his racing setup for his final run.2002 Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix – Team and Driver comments – Saturday http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/17/quotes-sat.phtml dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030210160723/http://www.dailyf1.com/en/2002season/results/17/quotes-sat.phtml 10 February 2003 18 October 2025 Daily F1 Barrichello was 0.432 seconds slower than his teammate; he secured second with his final quick lap,13 October 2002 Schumi takes pole Sunday Mail 63 324992264 Agence France-Presse where he ran wide at turn three and rode the kerbing. Coulthard was faster due to the colder temperatures and took third using a scrubbed set of tyres; a minor understeer in the first sector kept him from going faster on his final run. Räikkönen's final-minute lap landed him fourth despite running wide at turn one. The spare McLaren was prepared for him by mechanics due to a minor issue with the car's pneumatics telemetry system trace. This did not become an issue, as Räikkönen did not need the spare car. Ralf Schumacher, fifth, had an inconsistent car balance, while Montoya, sixth, experienced understeer and oversteer and ran wide attempting to lap quicker at the end of qualifying. Sato took seventh in the last seconds of qualifying, his highest result of the season.12 October 2002 Qualifying: Whither the opposition? https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/qualifying-whither-the-opposition-5036117/5036117/ 18 October 2025 Autosport Fisichella, his teammate, finished eighth despite minor troubles with the automatic shifter downchange mechanism and minor balancing issues through the esses behind the pit lane. Villeneuve was ninth and was baulked by Montoya during a run. In his final qualifying session for Renault, Button claimed tenth on his final run despite an error into the chicane that sent him sideways. Trulli was dissatisfied with his car's handling and secured 11th on his first run, being demoted out of the top ten by his teammate Button. Heidfeld did not have four clear runs and made errors, as well as experiencing graining on the front tyres following the Spoon Curve corner, finishing 12th. Salo was 13th after collecting grass on his tyres when Ralf Schumacher ran wide ahead of him during his final run. thumb|right|upright|Allan McNish (pictured in 2006) suffered a major accident in qualifying that led to his withdrawal from the event. Irvine's engine suddenly failed midway round the circuit in the final ten minutes, prematurely ending his qualifying session and started from 14th.12 October 2002 Schumacher claims 50th pole http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39372 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119110013/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39372 19 November 2004 18 October 2025 F1Racing.net Massa in 15th got graining on his tyres and had excess understeer at the chicane as a result on his fastest run. Panis pulled off the circuit just before the pit lane exit with a gearbox fault. He returned to drive the spare BAR car and took 16th. De la Rosa's Jaguar lacked grip, despite improving balance with each run, leaving him 17th. In his final race for Toyota,12 October 2002 McNish unhurt https://www.grandprix.com/news/mcnish-unhurt.html 18 October 2025 GrandPrix.com McNish was 18th. 35 minutes into qualifying, he lost control of the Toyota's rear at the exit to the 130R corner, hurtling backwards airborne over the run-off area and into the outside Armco barrier when he used opposite lock to restore control.12 October 2002 McNish shunt halts qualifying https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mcnish-shunt-halts-qualifying-5036129/5036129/ 18 October 2025 Autosport12 October 2002 Qualifying suspended after McNish smash http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39366 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119110009/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39366 19 November 2004 18 October 2025 F1Racing.net McNish smashed through the tyre wall and metal barrier at great speed, destroying the barrier and a substantial portion of the Toyota's rear,12 October 2002 McNish accident halts qualifying http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10853.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021216233704/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10853.html 16 December 2002 18 October 2025 Formula1.comHamilton Maurice 13 October 2002 Season of torture sparks silly speculation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer-season-of-torture-sparks-si/183212575/ 18 October 2025 The Observer 11 Newspapers.com which rested on the outside grass bank.12 October 2002 McNish Escapes Injury after Dramatic Crash https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8807/.html 18 October 2025 AtlasF1 The car vaulted the barrier, having broken its two top rails, and stopped at the other side of it resting upright after hitting an earth bank.13 October 2002 McNish ruled out of race http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2322165.stm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021021081222/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2322165.stm 21 October 2002 18 October 2025 BBC Sport McNish exited the Toyota unaided but had a limp. Sid Watkins, medical delegate for the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA; Formula One's governing body), conducted a precautionary check on him at the track's medical centre. Qualifying was stopped for 75 minutes to allow marshals to repair the barriers and clear debris from McNish's car off the circuit. McNish was advised to not participate in the rest of qualifying due to a mild concussion and a bruised knee;13 October 2002 McNish Withdraws from the Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8835/.html 19 October 2025 AtlasF1 the fact that he escaped major harm because he crashed backwards was credited to safety measures adopted following the fatalities of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.13 October 2002 Scot unhurt in 175mph crash; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A92821063/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=f697c77a subscription 18 October 2025 The Sunday Times 22 Gale Academic OneFileGordon Ian 13 October 2002 Motor Racing: McNish in 170mph crash horror https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A92796520/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=288c5b3c subscription 18 October 2025 Birmingham Evening Mail 46 Gale OneFile: News The Minardi team completed the starting order. Webber took 19th on the prime Michelin tyre compound, while teammate Yoong claimed 20th on the option compound despite minor oversteer in the high-speed corners during his final two runs. 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 1:31.317 — 1 2 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:31.749 +0.432 2 3 3 United Kingdom David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes 1:32.088 +0.771 3 4 4 Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:32.197 +0.880 4 5 5 Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW 1:32.444 +1.127 5 6 6 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:32.507 +1.190 6 7 10 Japan Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda 1:33.090 +1.773 7 8 9 Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda 1:33.276 +1.959 8 9 11 Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda 1:33.349 +2.032 9 10 15 United Kingdom Jenson Button Renault 1:33.429 +2.112 10 11 14 Italy Jarno Trulli Renault 1:33.547 +2.230 11 12 7 Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas 1:33.553 +2.236 12 13 24 Finland Mika Salo Toyota 1:33.742 +2.425 13 14 16 United Kingdom Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth 1:33.915 +2.598 14 15 8 Brazil Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1:33.979 +2.662 15 16 12 France Olivier Panis BAR-Honda 1:34.192 +2.875 16 17 17 Spain Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth 1:34.227 +2.910 17 18 25 United Kingdom Allan McNish Toyota 1:35.191 +3.874 20 — 19 23 Australia Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech 1:35.958 +4.641 18 20 22 Malaysia Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech 1:36.267 +4.950 19107% time: 1:37.709Sources:http://www.fia.com/archive/F1/2002/017.html Grand Prix of Japan Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile https://web.archive.org/web/20121018180250/http://www.fia.com/archive/F1/2002/017.html 18 October 2012 19 October 2025 Warm-up On race morning, teams had a 30-minute warm-up session to fine-tune their cars for the race in sunny weather.13 October 2002 Ferrari still ahead in Suzuka warm-up http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10869.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021013103159/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10869.html 13 October 2002 19 October 2025 Formula1.com13 October 2002 Warm-Up http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news3.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021101093456/http://www.fia.com/PRESSE/F1-GP-2002/japan/news3.htm 1 November 2002 19 October 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Michael Schumacher set the pace with his first quick lap before dropping to 1:36.249.13 October 2002 Warm-up: Ferrari keep up the pace https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/warm-up-ferrari-keep-up-the-pace-5036080/5036080/ 19 October 2025 Autosport He was 0.401 seconds quicker than his teammate Barrichello, followed by the McLaren duo of Räikkönen and Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher, Trulli, Massa, Fisichella, Salo, and Villeneuve.Collings Timothy 13 October 2002 Sunday Warm Up – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8832/.html 19 October 2025 AtlasF1 Fisichella spun rear-first into the gravel between the first two turns and had to abandon his car.13 October 2002 Japanese Warm-up; Ferrari still 1st & 2nd http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39409 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119110045/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39409 19 November 2004 19 October 2025 F1Racing.net Ralf Schumacher raced wide, took too much kerb, and lost control of his car's rear at the Degner Curve. He spun 360 degrees before freeing himself from the gravel trap with five minutes left. When Montoya noticed Schumacher on the inside, he deliberately ran wide to avoid colliding with him. After the warm-up session, McNish failed Watkins' medical examination. Watkins advised McNish to withdraw from the race, and Toyota did so as a precaution since the bruising on his right knee had swelled overnight and needed to be cut open.13 October 2002 McNish will not race http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10871.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021013101838/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/10/s10871.html 13 October 2002 19 October 2025 Formula1.com Race The 53-lap race began before a crowd of 155,000 spectators at 14:30 local time.Collings Timothy 14 October 2002 Schumacher supreme https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-schumacher-supreme/183290933/ 19 October 2025 The Daily Telegraph S12 Newspapers.com The conditions on the grid were dry and sunny with the air temperature between 21 to 28 C F and the asphalt temperature between 30 to 38 C F.13 October 2002 Lap-by-Lap from Suzuka http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/13120 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021116032356/http://www.itv-f1.com/news/news_story/13120 16 November 2002 19 October 2025 ITV-F12002 : Suzuka (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 19 October 2025 F1-Live.com Fisichella's engine failed during a reconnaissance lap 20 minutes before the start, preventing him from reaching the starting grid.Elizalde Pablo 16 October 2002 The 2002 Japanese GP Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/jpn/elizalde.html AtlasF1 8 42 19 October 202513 October 2002 Schumi wins but Sato is hero http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39417 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20041119110049/http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=39417 19 November 2004 19 October 2025 F1Racing.net He returned to the pit lane to drive his teammate Sato's spare Jordan car setup, which lacked the more powerful Honda engine.Grand Prix Results: Japanese GP, 2002 http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr697.html https://web.archive.org/web/20021024154337/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr697.html 24 October 2002 19 October 2025 GrandPrix.com Jordan mechanics on the grid tried to tailor the backup vehicle to Fisichella's preferences.13 October 2002 2002 – Round 17 – Japan: Suzuka http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/japan/race.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021213174252/http://www.formula1.com/races/racenews02/japan/race.html 13 December 2002 19 October 2025 Formula1.com When the lights went out to start the race,13 October 2002 Japanese GP 2002 – Schumi shines, Sato scores http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2374 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030918041642/http://www.crash.net/uk/en/feature_view.asp?cid=1&fid=2374 18 September 2003 19 October 2025 Crash Michael Schumacher made a clean getaway to maintain his pole position advantage entering the first corner's braking area. Barrichello weaved twice to keep second from Coulthard,13 October 2002 Lapwatch: Japanese Grand Prix http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2323891.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20021021105932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2323891.stm 21 October 2002 19 October 2025 BBC Sport who attempted to draw alongside him on the inside into turn one.13 October 2002 Japanese GP: Schuey strolls to 11th win https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/japanese-gp-schuey-strolls-to-11th-win-5036084/5036084/ 19 October 2025 Autosport Ralf Schumacher made a quick start, passing Räikkönen on the outside for fourth into turn one. Trulli made a fast getaway, moving from 11th to eighth by the end of the first lap, while Fisichella slid from eighth to 11th and Villeneuve fell from ninth to 14th over the same distance. At the conclusion of lap one, Michael Schumacher led his teammate Barrichello by 2.2 seconds.Spurgeon Brad Brad Spurgeon 14 October 2002 Motor Racing : Schumacher wins race, Japanese wins crowd https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/14/sports/IHT-motor-racing-schumacher-wins-race-japanese-wins-crowd.html 19 October 2025 International Herald Tribune After them came Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher, Räikkönen, and Montoya. Michael Schumacher began to pull away from the rest of the field. On lap two, Villeneuve passed Massa in the first turn at the end of the start/finish straight for 13th. Yoong overtook Webber for 18th on lap three while De la Rosa passed Panis for 16th on the next lap. thumb|left|upright|Rubens Barrichello was 0.506 seconds behind his teammate Michael Schumacher at the end of the race in second. Michael Schumacher's lead over teammate Barrichello had increased to 3.3 seconds at the start of lap four, because Barrichello had issues with the Ferrari grounding its plank under a big fuel load. On the same lap, Massa got too close to Villeneuve's car, losing downforce and understeering wide at the first Denger Curve exit curve. Massa crashed into the tyre barrier at 112 mph km/h on after clipping the kerb entering the second Degner Curve. removing the front wing. He was unhurt but the crash made him the race's first retirement. On lap five, Panis slowed due to a car vibration and fell to the back of the field. He entered the pit lane for the BAR engineers to reset the electronics, but this did not resolve the issue. Panis retired after attempting to resume racing a lap later. Coulthard slowed from third place at turn nine on lap seven after the throttle actuator malfunctioned due to an electrical failure, causing one side of the control system's five-cylinder bank to fail.Richardson Chris Icing on the Cake http://www.dailyf1.com/en/features/feature.php?id=77 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021031190604/http://www.dailyf1.com/en/features/feature.php?id=77 31 October 2002 19 October 2025 Daily F1 He went off the racing line and entered the McLaren garage to retire. Coulthard's retirement promoted Ralf Schumacher to third, Räikkönen to fourth, Montoya to fifth and Sato to sixth. Yoong was driving without power steering and spun at the Spoon Curve hairpin on lap nine, falling behind teammate Webber.Scarborough Craig 16 October 2002 2002 Japanese GP Technical Review https://www.atlasf1.com/2002/jpn/scarborough.html AtlasF1 8 42 19 October 2025 Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Barrichello were lapping almost a second faster than Ralf Schumacher, extending their advantage to 18 seconds by lap 15. On lap 16, Yoong spun for the third time, getting stuck in the turn two gravel trap and retired. The first round of pit stops began on lap 16. Renault sent Trulli and his teammate Button to the pit lane, anticipating them to be able to drive quicker without aerodynamic turbulence and attempt to pass Sato in sixth, but they realised they could not do so on the track. Michael Schumacher was the first of the leaders to make a pit stop on lap 20. His stop lasted 9.4 seconds, and he fell to second, behind teammate Barrichello but ahead of Ralf Schumacher, who was 25 seconds behind. Barrichello led one lap before making his first pit stop on lap 22. He fell to fourth, behind Ralf Schumacher and Räikkönen. Räikkönen and Ralf Schumacher made their pit stops over the next three laps, rejoining in fourth and third. After the pit stops had been completed, the race order was Michael Schumacher, his teammate Barrichello, Ralf Schumacher, Räikkönen, Montoya and the three-stopping Trulli. Sato had dropped behind the Renaults of Trulli and Button and was eighth. The main focus of attention was the battle between Fisichella and Villeneuve for 11th. Villeneuve appeared to be quicker on the straights, and unsuccessfully attempted to pass Fisichella at the Esses on lap 26. Fisichella cut the chicane on lap 27 but gained no advantage. On lap 28, Villeneuve's engine failed after the pit lane entry, forcing him to retire in front of the grandstand. This allowed Fisichella to battle Salo for tenth. Montoya moved ahead of Trulli by 9.5 seconds and was gradually gaining on Räikkönen. thumb|right|upright|Kimi Räikkönen finished in third for his fourth podium result of the season after Ralf Schumacher's engine failed with five laps remaining. The second round of pit stops began on lap 33. On the same lap, Räikkönen ran wide into the gravel trap at Denger Curve corner but he remained fourth. Trulli retired off track from sixth on the next lap due to a fuel system failure at the crossover on lap 34. Sato was promoted back to sixth and made a pit stop on lap 37, keeping his position after rejoining the track. On the next lap, Barrichello was the first of the leading five to make his second pit stop. He returned to the circuit in third, behind Ralf Schumacher. Michael Schumacher made his second and last pit stop of the season on the same lap. His eight-second stop kept him in the lead. On lap 39, Fisichella's engine failed at the exit to the Spoon Curve corner and he retired from the race. Ralf Schumacher made his pit stop from second on lap 40 and his 6.9-second stop dropped him to fifth, behind Räikkönen. On the following lap, De la Rosa went off the circuit at the hairpin with a sudden transmission failure. Räikkönen, in third, was the final driver to complete his second pit stop on lap 42, returning to the race in fourth ahead of Montoya. Following the second round of pit stops, the race order was Michael Schumacher, his teammate Barrichello, Ralf Schumacher, Räikkönen, Montoya and Sato, who was pulling clear of Button in seventh, after being given extra front wing angle by James Key, his race engineer, and Jordan sporting director Gary Anderson to increase downforce and therefore pace. Sato slid sideways in the Spoon Curve turn on lap 46 despite being told by his engineers to slow down to conserve the engine. He regained control of his car and kept sixth. Three laps later, Ralf Schumacher stopped at the Denger Curves due to a sudden engine failure.Tremayne David 14 October 2002 Schumacher record shares spotlight with Sato's podium finish https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent-schumacher-record-shares/183289088/ 19 October 2025 The Independent 12 Newspapers.com David Tremayne His retirement elevated Räikkönen to third, Montoya to fourth, Sato to fifth and Button to sixth. Michael Schumacher slowed, allowing his teammate Barrichello to catch up in the last laps. He held the lead for the remainder of the race, winning his 11th of the season and 64th of his career. Michael Schumacher became the first driver to finish on the podium at each Grand Prix of the season. Ferrari won for the 15th time that season, matching McLaren's record set in 1988. Barrichello finished 0.506 seconds behind in second. Räikkönen experienced fly-by-wire throttle problems on lap 48, causing him to slow in the final laps. He finished third, his fourth podium of the season. Montoya finished fourth after adjusting his front wing during his first pit stop. Sato won his first championship points of his career and only of the season in fifth, helping Jordan claim sixth in the World Constructors' Championship. Button completed the points scorers in sixth in his final race for Renault. Heidfeld finished seventh, improving his handling during the first two stints but deteriorating in the last stint. Salo was eighth due to significant understeer on his final set of tyres and a sensor failure resolved by bi-directional telemetry. Irvine finished ninth, citing a lack of car grip. Webber had low grip and was tenth. Ralf Schumacher was the final classified finisher despite his engine failure. 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 spoke of his season, "We have finished all the races and not only that, but all on the podium and that shows the quality of job the mechanics have done. It is unbelievable what they have achieved."13 October 2002 Post-Race Press Conference – Japanese GP https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8846/.html 19 October 2025 AtlasF1 Barrichello noted that he had to be cautious because the Ferrari bottomed out a lot in the opening laps of the race, but added that he was thrilled for himself and Ferrari. He and Michael Schumacher had become Formula One's most successful partnership, "as we have had such a great season, and I have two wins from the last three races, it is just a great achievement for me." Räikkönen indicated that his car problem late in the Grand Prix forced him to slow on the back straight and into the chicane, adding, "Ralf then had some kind of problem with the engine or something and I was a bit lucky. But if I am lucky once a year then it is not a bad thing." He expressed satisfaction that the problem had been resolved. thumb|left|upright|Takuma Sato (pictured in 2006) scored the first two championship points of his career with a fifth-place finish. Montoya expressed his joy at finishing third in the World Drivers' Championship in his second Formula One season, but his one regret was that he did not win any races.13 October 2002 Montoya clinches third in standings https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/montoya-clinches-third-in-standings-5036059/5036059/ 19 October 2025 Autosport Sato was the first Japanese driver to score a championship point in Japan since Aguri Suzuki took third for Lola-Lamborghini and Satoru Nakajima placed sixth for Tyrrell at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix.13 October 2002 Jordan Relieved as Sato Stars in Japan https://www.atlasf1.com/news/2002/oct/report.php/id/8839/.html 19 October 2025 AtlasF1 Sato said, "That was incredible! One point was what I was after, but I scored two, which is excellent for the team. The crowd was unbelievable, waving at me on every single lap. I saw everything! This is one of the best feelings in my life." Jordan team owner Eddie Jordan admitted that he did not expect Sato to finish fifth, "He drove a perfect race and he showed the talent I've been telling everyone about." He added, "The fans drove him on and it is great for them because suddenly they have got a Japanese star who can really do the business in Grand Prix racing. This is great." Button expressed satisfaction with scoring one championship point for Renault, stating that despite the challenging season, it was beneficial and wished the team well for the 2003 season.13 October 2002 Button signs off with point https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/button-signs-off-with-point-5036060/5036060/ 19 October 2025 Autosport Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt described the race as a "dream finale to a dream season" and that in compiling his own shortlist of Ferrari's achievements in the 2002 season, he said, "We could not ask for more."Baldwin Alan 13 October 2002 Winning is addictive https://www.news24.com/winning-is-addictive-20021013 19 October 2025 News24 Reuters FIA president Max Mosley highlighted the Grand Prix as an example of the requirement to rewrite the Formula One sporting regulations following Michael Schumacher's win. He questioned why Europeans would watch the race on television early in the morning after Schumacher's pole position run in qualifying.14 October 2002 Mosley: Suzuka race example of problem https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mosley-suzuka-race-example-of-problem-5036001/5036001/ 19 October 2002 Autosport Coulthard expressed his desire to have concluded the season with a podium, which he believe could have been achieved. Michael Schumacher finished the season with a season-record 144 World Drivers' Championship points, 21 more than the previous year's total.McMillan James 14 October 2002 Schumacher a racing cert for years to come https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A94189848/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=87cc95ab subscription 19 October 2025 The Scotsman 8 Gale OneFile: News He defeated runner-up Barrichello by 67 championship points, setting a record.Eason Kevin 14 October 2002 Supreme Schumacher divides and rules; Motor racing https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A92820565/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=99f9d4e1 subscription 19 October 2025 The Times 15 Gale Academic OneFile Montoya finished fourth, securing third place with 50 championship points, while Ralf Schumacher finished fourth with 42. Coulthard was fifth overall with 41 championship points, his lowest finish since seventh in the 1996 season.14 October 2002 Ferrari, Schumacher dominant https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-ferrari-schumacher-dom/183293633/ 19 October 2025 Edmonton Journal D5 Newspapers.com Associated Press/The Canadian Press Ferrari scored 221 championship points in the World Constructors' Championship, as many as the other ten teams combined. Williams was second with 92 championship points, while McLaren was third with 65. 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 Germany Michael Schumacher Ferrari Bridgestone 53 1:26:59.698 1 10 2 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Bridgestone 53 +0.506 2 6 3 4 Finland Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 53 +23.292 4 4 4 6 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW Michelin 53 +36.275 6 3 5 10 Japan Takuma Sato Jordan-Honda Bridgestone 53 +1:22.694 7 2 6 15 UK Jenson Button Renault Michelin 52 +1 lap 10 1 7 7 Germany Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 52 +1 lap 12   8 24 Finland Mika Salo Toyota Michelin 52 +1 lap 13   9 16 UK Eddie Irvine Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 52 +1 lap 14   10 23 Australia Mark Webber Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 51 +2 laps 18   11 5 Germany Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW Michelin 48 Engine 5   Ret Retired 17 Spain Pedro de la Rosa Jaguar-Cosworth Michelin 39 Transmission 17   Ret Retired 9 Italy Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan-Honda Bridgestone 37 Engine 8   Ret Retired 14 Italy Jarno Trulli Renault Michelin 32 Mechanical 11   Ret Retired 11 Canada Jacques Villeneuve BAR-Honda Bridgestone 27 Engine 9   Ret Retired 22 Malaysia Alex Yoong Minardi-Asiatech Michelin 14 Spun off 19   Ret Retired 12 France Olivier Panis BAR-Honda Bridgestone 8 Mechanical 16   Ret Retired 3 UK David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes Michelin 7 Throttle 3   Ret Retired 8 Brazil Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas Bridgestone 3 Accident 15   DNS Did not start 25 UK Allan McNish Toyota Michelin — Injured in qualifying 20 —  Sources:2002 Japanese Grand Prix https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2002/races/736/japan/race-result.html Formula1.com 11 April 20202002 FIA Formula One World Championship Japanese Grand Prix https://fiaresultsandstatistics.motorsportstats.com/results/2002-japanese-grand-prix Motorsport Stats 19 October 2025 17 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201117224713/https://fiaresultsandstatistics.motorsportstats.com/results/2002-japanese-grand-prix dead 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* 144 10px 2 Brazil Rubens Barrichello 77 10px 3 Colombia Juan Pablo Montoya 50 10px 4 Germany Ralf Schumacher 42 10px 5 UK David Coulthard 41Sources:https://www.statsf1.com/en/2002/japon/championnat.aspx Japan 2002 – Championship StatsF1 18 March 2019 Constructors' Championship standings +/– Championship positions gained, maintained or lost Pos Position Constructor Points 10px 1 Italy Ferrari* 221 10px 2 UK Williams-BMW 92 10px 3 UK McLaren-Mercedes 65 10px 4 France Renault 23 10px 5 Switzerland Sauber-Petronas 11Sources: Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings. Bold text and an asterisk indicates the 2002 World Champions. References Japanese Grand Prix 2002 2002 United States Grand Prix 2003 Australian Grand Prix 2001 Japanese Grand Prix 2003 Japanese Grand Prix 34 50 35 N 136 32 26 E source:kolossus-nowiki title Japanese Grand Prix Category:Japanese Grand Prix Grand Prix Japanese Grand Prix