STORY OF THE DAY: A Ferrari Recovery at Monza

Rubens Barrichello won the 2004 Italian Grand Prix at Monza in the number 2 Ferrari F2004, leading Michael Schumacher home for a Ferrari one-two. The fifteenth round of the World Championship also marked Scuderia Ferrari’s 700th start in a championship Grand Prix, celebrated before an enthusiastic home crowd.

Barrichello started from pole but chose wet-weather tyres for a track that dried almost immediately, forcing him into an early stop and dropping him through the field. Schumacher compounded Ferrari’s difficulties by spinning on the opening lap. Both drivers recovered with exceptional speed, and Barrichello’s aggressive strategy ultimately returned him to the lead ahead of his teammate.

The F2004 was powered by Ferrari’s three-litre Tipo 053 naturally aspirated V10 and used a carbon-fibre composite monocoque. Developed from the successful F2003-GA, it combined powerful acceleration with outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and reliability, qualities especially valuable on Monza’s long straights and heavy-braking approaches.

Born in São Paulo, Barrichello reached Formula One after winning major junior titles in Britain. He joined Ferrari in 2000 and became a central figure in the team’s dominant championship period, contributing victories and constructors’ points while partnering Schumacher. His Monza recovery produced one of the most accomplished wins of his Ferrari career.