First Formula One race on the reconfigured Hockenheimring, won by Michael Schumacher for his 62nd career victory and ninth of the 2002 season.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
- Schumacher career victories
- 62nd career win
- Schumacher 2002 season wins
- 9th victory of the season
- Margin of victory
- 10.5 seconds over Montoya seconds
- Championship round
- 12th of 17 rounds
- Schumacher championship points
- 106 points, unassailable lead
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Hockenheimring had been reconfigured and shortened ahead of the 2002 season to improve safety and spectator viewing, making this the circuit's debut in its new form. Michael Schumacher entered the race having dominated the 2002 championship, and secured pole position in the one-hour qualifying session with the fastest lap.
Michael Schumacher led the 67-lap race for most of its duration, relinquishing the lead only during two rounds of pit stops. Ralf Schumacher made a late unscheduled stop to repressurise a pneumatic valve-gear reservoir, allowing Montoya to finish second 10.5 seconds behind the race winner, with Ralf Schumacher third.
Schumacher's ninth win of the season extended his already unassailable lead in the Drivers' Championship to 106 points. Montoya held second in the standings while Ralf Schumacher moved ahead of Barrichello into third. Ferrari widened their Constructors' Championship lead over Williams to 56 points with five races remaining.