Relieved Schumacher Glad Weekend is Over

World Champion Michael Schumacher admitted after finishing fourth at today's Italian Grand Prix that he was glad this weekend was over without any incidents.

Schumacher was one of the drivers who questioned the decision to hold the race following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last Tuesday. The tragedy was further increased by Alex Zanardi's accident on Saturday during the CART race in Germany, where the former Formula One driver lost both his legs.

A relieved Schumacher, who led a failed initiative to start the race with no overtaking before the second chicane, was pleased the race was finally over.

"Luckily, everything went well and nothing happened," said Schumacher. "I am glad this weekend is over. It was a pity that Rubens was not able to win this race. But overall, the most important thing is that nothing bad happened this afternoon."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello was denied Ferrari's passionate fans the victory they wanted in the last European race of the year. Barrichello, who had led but was held up by a longer than usual pit stop, forced his Ferrari past the Williams of Ralf Schumacher six laps from the end to take second place behind Juan Pablo Montoya.

"I am not sure what happened in the pit stop, but it cost me a lot of time - enough to lose the race," he said. "But, all the same, we put on a good show. The Bridgestone tyres were great and the engine was very strong.

"The two stop strategy was definitely the right decision and Ross Brawn was magic to think of this, which gave us the opportunity to fight the Williams."