Schumacher’s best memory? Suzuka 2000
In a 20-year career and 300 Grand Prix races, Schumacher had the time to accumulate memories. Among all his races, which one stands out? Suzuka 2000 and his first title with the Scuderia.
The Spa-Francorchamps weekend is marked by Michael Schumacher’s 300th Grand Prix. On this occasion, the German driver was made an honorary citizen of the city of Spa on Thursday. “I have always said that Spa was my living room, now I can officially call it that,” joked the seven-time world champion. “I had a warm welcome by becoming an honorary citizen of Spa, it’s something special for me.”
If he signs on for an additional season in 2013, Schumacher will break the record of 326 Grand Prix held by Rubens Barrichello. But there’s no way the German will reach 400 races, even if some fans hope for it and have even made a sign: Michael, make it 400!
« I think I can say that won’t happen, » smiled the Mercedes driver. « It’s obviously great that the fans keep cheering for me. »
And when it is pointed out to him that you should never say never, the master of Spa-Francorchamps declares: « For the 400? We can probably say no for this time! »
300 Grand Prix, but 299 starts. That’s a lot of races and memories. And if you had to keep only one, which would it be? I keep talking about Suzuka 2000, both for the quality of the race and for what the result meant. It was a set of circumstances that made this race very special for me and many others, recalls the former Ferrari driver.
Upon arriving in Japan, Schumacher needed to score two more points than his rival Mika Hakkinen in order to finally secure the world drivers’ title that had eluded Ferrari for over 20 years. Having secured pole position, the Ferrari driver quickly ceded the lead to the Finn, who had a better start. As the number 1 McLaren sped away, the rain came mid-race and reshuffled the deck. This was the moment the future new world champion chose to attack and catch up with his adversary. By pitting two laps later than the Finn, Schumacher seized the lead of the race and claimed his third world championship.
From our correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps.
