2003 Brazilian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Räikkönen leads with 16 points after his maiden victory in Malaysia, six ahead of teammate Coulthard in second. Juan Pablo Montoya, Rubens Barrichello and Fernando Alonso all sit tied on eight points in third. McLaren lead the Constructors’ with 26 points; Ferrari and Renault are tied for second on 16 points.

Previous race

At Sepang, Räikkönen took his first Formula One victory, leading after Alonso’s first pit stop on lap 14 and holding the lead comfortably to win. Alonso, making only his second start for Renault, had qualified on pole — becoming the youngest Formula One pole sitter at 21 years, seven months — and led 14 laps before his stop. Barrichello was 39 seconds back in second. Michael Schumacher hit Jarno Trulli into a spin at turn two on the opening lap and received a drive-through penalty. Montoya was rear-ended by Pizzonia on the first lap and lost two laps during rear-wing replacement. Justin Wilson had to retire when his HANS device straps became loose and pinched his shoulders, causing temporary paralysis of both arms. He has since recovered and is cleared to race this weekend.

Between-race developments

Two weeks before this round, the FIA announced that drivers can no longer receive dispensation to race without a HANS device for medical reasons; any competitor unable to wear one will be barred from future events. Barrichello, who drove the Malaysian race without a HANS device due to a minor hernia, has tested a revised device in free practice and reported no discomfort.

The majority of teams tested at the Circuit de Catalunya from 25 to 28 March. Williams test driver Marc Gené set the pace on day one; McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa led day two; Ralf Schumacher was quickest on days three and four.

This race is Jordan’s 200th Formula One start.

Practice

The first practice session takes place in torrential weather; four drivers record no lap time. Michael Schumacher leads, followed by Coulthard and Button. Pizzonia crashes heavily at Curva do Sol on his first lap, temporarily stopping the session; Räikkönen spins at the Reta Oposta straight and narrowly avoids a barrier.

The second session runs on a sodden circuit that dries as it progresses. Barrichello sets the pace. Williams and Ferrari run revised aerodynamic specifications: Williams fits a revised front wing, modified bodywork and a corrected rear wing issue; Ferrari’s new rear wing uses semi-circular holes to limit vortex, used solely by Barrichello. Renault debuts a sinuous rear wing profile.

The final practice session, held in warm weather, is led by Olivier Panis. Several drivers spin, none with damage.