2004 United States Grand Prix

Championship standings

Schumacher has won seven of the first eight races — the only exception being Monaco, where he retired after a collision with Montoya — accumulating 70 points from a possible 80. Barrichello trails by 16 points; Ferrari’s 124-point Constructors’ total is more than double second-placed Renault’s. Trulli, who won at Monaco, is the only other race winner this season.

Previous race

At the Canadian Grand Prix, Glock made his Formula One début for Jordan in place of Pantano. Schumacher won, with Ralf Schumacher and Barrichello crossing the line behind him. Post-race, both Williams cars and the two Toyotas were disqualified for brake duct irregularities, promoting Button to third, Fisichella to fourth, and Räikkönen and Coulthard to fifth and sixth; Glock and Heidfeld also moved into the points. Late in the race, a rear suspension failure sent a wheel from Massa’s Sauber over the retaining fence; Massa was taken to hospital for precautionary checks but was unharmed.

Between-race developments

The Williams disqualifications in Canada were attributed to a manufacturing error. The team confirmed the brake ducts had provided no aerodynamic or cooling advantage.

Practice

Four sessions were held. Barrichello topped the first three; Button was fastest in the fourth session with a time of 1:10.056, 0.143 quicker than Schumacher, with Sato third and Barrichello fourth. Ferrari’s Bridgestone tyres showed graining on long runs, with rubber balling on the surface and reducing mechanical grip.