Rubens Barrichello won from fourth on the grid as Ferrari clinched a dominant 1-2 finish, with Michael Schumacher breaking his own single-season points record.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari)
- Winning margin
- 0.255 seconds over Schumacher
- Race length
- 53 laps laps
- Spectators
- 60,000 people
- Championship round
- 15th of 2002 season
- Ferrari lead in Constructors'
- 103 points ahead of Williams points
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Juan Pablo Montoya took pole position at Monza, while Ralf Schumacher started third and Barrichello fourth. At the start, Ralf Schumacher cut the Rettifilo chicane to take the lead, but stewards ordered him to relinquish it; the manoeuvre caused a pneumatic valve failure, releasing smoke that disrupted Montoya's momentum.
The 2002 Italian Grand Prix was held on 15 September at Autodromo Nazionale di Monza before 60,000 spectators. Barrichello capitalised on the chaos at the front to take the lead by lap five and controlled the race through pit stops, ultimately winning his third race of the season. Michael Schumacher finished second 0.255 seconds back, with Eddie Irvine third for Jaguar.
Barrichello's victory moved him 17 championship points clear of Montoya in third in the Drivers' Championship. Michael Schumacher surpassed his own record for most points scored in a single Formula One season. Ferrari extended their Constructors' Championship lead over Williams to 103 points, and McLaren secured third in the standings with two races remaining.