'Dream race' for dominant Ferrari

Michael Schumacher's victory was Ferrari's 12th of the season and his record-breaking 10th of 2002. With Rubens Barrichello's second place, it also marked Ferrari's sixth one-two of the year. A Ferrari has now finished on the podium in every one of the past 50 races.

"A dream race: yet another this year," said an elated Todt. "Everything went perfectly; the car, the engine, the Bridgestone tyres, the drivers and the team.

"Words cannot describe the season we are having. We have proved ourselves capable of winning on all types of circuit, thanks to a really exceptional package."

Schumacher said: "This result was better than we expected, as we were not sure what the situation would be in terms of temperatures and tyres. Our car is simply very good on high speed tracks like this one.

"The car felt very good and I just enjoyed myself. I watched my pace for a couple of laps to look after the tyres and after that, with me and Rubens at the front, it was a case of just bringing it home.

"It was a very nice race for me, as you don't always need to be fighting to enjoy the drive."