Analysis: Ferrari Domination Continues with Sixth Title
Ferrari's relentless and ruthless domination of Formula One continued when they won the Constructors' Championship for a sixth successive year at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Ferrari's relentless and ruthless domination of Formula One continued when they won the Constructors' Championship for a sixth successive year at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Six-times World Champion Michael Schumacher's win, a record 12th from 13 races this season, wrapped up the title Ferrari have made their own since 1999.
It is the Italian team's 14th constructors' crown since 1950, putting Ferrari five ahead of Williams, the second most successful team in Formula One history.
Utter domination is the only way to describe Ferrari's 2004 season with the Budapest race their seventh one-two result as Rubens Barrichello trailed Schumacher home.
"It is the 14th but it's the sixth in a row and that's what is so outstanding about it," said Schumacher. "And it's the way we did it, it's already again so dominant, just so perfect. It is great to live in that time and to be a part of that period and that success. We just enjoy it as long as we can."
The German is almost certain to march to a seventh drivers' title, and a fifth in succession, to maintain Ferrari's stranglehold on the sport.
Ferrari have amassed 202 points from the 13 races this year, 111 more than second-placed Renault, and a record points haul is on the cards with the possibility of further race wins.
"We have written another extraordinary page in the company's history book," Ferrari general manager Jean Todt said. "Six constructors' titles and the certainty that one of our drivers will take the drivers' title for a fifth consecutive time are dream results."
Ferrari set the current best of 221 points in a season two years ago. They also equalled the record of 15 wins in that same season.
Victory in four of the final five races would give them the record outright with 16 in a season and propel them way beyond the current best points haul for a season.
Dream Team
They have worked hard for their success of the last six years following the creation of a 'dream team' when Schumacher signed from Benetton in 1996.
Todt has orchestrated the success, Ross Brawn has provided the technical genius, Rory Byrne has designed the cars and Paolo Martinelli is the man behind the engine design. It has been a team effort and the key members, including Schumacher, are contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2006.
"It's a great atmosphere we have in the team and the good thing about Formula One is that it's always going forward," Schumacher said.
Barrichello, who replaced Eddie Irvine in 2000, has provided able back-up.
The Brazilian is second in the drivers' standings and helped Ferrari maintain their record of finishing on the podium in every race this season.
Barrichello said: "For me I think it's even more special because since I have been there we have been World Champions so I think it's phenomenal."
Tyre suppliers Bridgestone have also played their part.
Twelve months ago Ferrari were facing the end of their domination after Schumacher finished eighth and was lapped by Hungarian Grand Prix race winner Fernando Alonso.
This year the frowning faces were replaced by beaming smiles as the World Championship remained in the hands of Ferrari.
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