Eight drivers have grand prix victories this season in the most lively F1 world title chase since 1982, when 11 drivers won. The different faces in Victory Lane have produced the expected result: Three drivers are separated by seven points with two races remaining. This weekend it's Indy Motor Speedway, where Ferrari hopes to make it three out of four wins at the fabled track and put current points leader and five-time world champion Michael Schumacher in position for a sixth title; he won the U.S. Grand Prix in 2000 and has been on pole at IMS twice. The final race of the season is the Grand Prix of Japan (Oct. 12).
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TITLE CONTENDERS
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Driver
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Points
back
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Last
race
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Last year at Indy Motor Speedway
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Michael Schumacher
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0
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1st
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2nd
|
Skinny: Returned to form at Monza and says
he won't be resting on his laurels at Indy. Could clinch
here, but says he doubts it will happen.
|
|
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Juan Montoya
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3
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2nd
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4th
|
Skinny: Won the Indy 500 in 2000, but must go
clockwise and master the road-course setup.
Was fourth here last year and now has engine to win.
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|
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Kimi Raikkonen
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7
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4th
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Retired (engine)
|
Skinny: Says Monza wasn't ideal track for his car
but that the MP4-17D will love Indy. Needs to make
something happen this weekend to stay in hunt.
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Ralf Schumacher
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24
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DNR (injured)
|
16th
|
Skinny: Says he is fit after missing Monza due
crash in testing. While he may prove a wild-card
this week, his own title hopes are done.
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Fernando Alonso
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27
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8th
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DNR (No ride)
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Skinny: Says IMS as an F1 circuit is pretty boring,
but is eager to find the best line in the slow infield.
Title hopes are done, and car setup here won't be ideal.
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| PAST DRIVERS' CHAMPIONS* |
| DRIVER |
YEAR |
COUNTRY |
| M. Schumacher | 2002 | Germany |
| Schumacher | 2001 | Germany |
| Schumacher | 2000 | Germany |
| Mika Hakkinen | 1999 | Finland |
| Hakkinen | 1998 | Finland |
| J. Villeneuve | 1997 | Canada |
| Damon Hill | 1996 | Britain |
| Schumacher | 1995 | Germany |
| Schumacher | 1994 | Germany |
| Alain Prost | 1993 | France |
| PAST MANUFACTURERS' CHAMPIONS* |
| MANUFACTURER |
YEAR |
PTS |
| Ferrari | 2002 | 221 |
| Ferrari | 2001 | 179 |
| Ferrari | 2000 | 170 |
| Ferrari | 1999 | 128 |
| McLaren-MB | 1998 | 156 |
| Williams-Renault | 1997 | 123 |
| Williams-Renault | 1996 | 175 |
| Benetton-Renault | 1995 | 137 |
| Williams-Renault | 1994 | 118 |
| Williams-Renault | 1993 | 168 |
*Last 10 years
Full list since 1950
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