Round 4: The San Marino Grand Prix

The San Marino Grand Prix is the only Grand Prix on the circuit not to take place in the hosting country. San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world, a small independant state located in the heart of Italy. 50 miles up the road in Imola is the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari a historic circuit the first hosted a Formula 1 grand prix in 1981. Since that day a lot of history has been made at this circuit including Formula 1's blackest ever day in 1994 when Ayrton Senna loast traction in the then sweeping corner of Tamburello. It was there that this legend met his untimely demise. It was at Imola last year that Fernando Alonso claimed his stake on the championship in a dominating way by keeping the former world champion behing him for the final laps of the race in an obviously inferior car. And history was made again today, as Micheal Schumacher claimed his 66th pole position claiming the record from Ayrton Senna for most all time career poles.


Imola marks the beginning of the European season, and will probably see a shift in the balance of power as teams have been pretty much stuck with the same parts for the first three fly-away races of the season. Since then months of development work on the engines and aerodynamics, plus a three week break to allow plenty of testing of the new parts will see many of the teams with much updated cars.

Qualifying results hint at some of the new balance in power. Ferrari's in first and fourth split by the two Hondas show some improved pace. Weather the Hondas can keep this pace up for the race distance is another story. The Renaults are suprisingly off the pace in 5th and 10th as are the McLarens in 7th and 8th, Kimi Raikonnen out qualified by his teammate for the first time this year. Ron Dennis though says he thinks they will be in a could place once the first round of pits stops are done, and the McLarens are known to run very deep into the first stint. Toyota also put in a good performance to get both of it's cars into the top ten.

As a side not the race tomorrow is the first of four races this year to be brodcast on CBS in an attempt to reach and wider audience and try and spark some renewed interest in Formula 1 in the USA. Tune in tomorrow at 1 to watch the most exciting drama on television unfold at 200 mph.