The 10th race of the season at Magny-Cours was somewhat overshadowed by the news that Max Mosley, President of the world governing body, FIA, has resigned. A long-running conflict with big-budget top teams over proposed changes to qualifying and increased safety reasons is said to be the reason behind the millionaire’s decision.
Back on the track, last year’s Williams-BMW one-two was unlikely to be repeated. In the time trials, Alonso proved fastest and took his third career pole position with Schumacher starting alongside him. The new McLaren MP4-19B car helped David Coulthard take third on the grid, fellow Briton Jenson Button qualifying in fourth. Placings didn’t matter in the race itself, as Schumacher’s driving skills, the car’s reliability and Ferrari’s superior refuelling strategy once more won the day. The season is turning into a one-horse race!
