2004 French Grand Prix

Championship standings

Schumacher leads the championship with 80 points, 16 ahead of Barrichello and 36 ahead of Button. Ferrari’s 142 points in the Constructors’ Championship is more than double Renault’s 66; BAR is third on 58.

Previous race

At Indianapolis, Schumacher won from second on the grid after overtaking Barrichello on the safety car restart. Barrichello was second; Sato completed the podium — the first Japanese driver to achieve a Formula One podium finish since Aguri Suzuki. The race was defined by two Michelin tyre failures: Alonso crashed at the end of the pit straight on lap nine, and Ralf Schumacher backed his Williams into the concrete wall at the oval banking on lap ten, suffering spinal fractures and concussion that will keep him out for several races. Only eight cars finished. Montoya was disqualified for switching to the spare car after the formation lap, his second consecutive disqualification. Baumgartner finished eighth — the first Hungarian driver to score a Formula One point and Minardi’s first point since 2002.

Between-race developments

Williams reserve driver Marc Gené replaces the injured Ralf Schumacher and will also drive at the British Grand Prix.

Practice

Friday running was interrupted by rain. Despite the conditions, Barrichello and Schumacher topped the first session; Toyota’s da Matta led the second by six tenths over Trulli, with Schumacher fifth. On Saturday, Schumacher was quickest in the third session ahead of Coulthard; Räikkönen led the fourth ahead of Button and Schumacher.