Brawn: Ferrari Needed to Win

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn thanked the team's loyal tifosi for a "fantastic reception" after Michael Schumacher took victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

A dominant drive from Schumacher saw the German extend his Championship lead over Williams-BMW driver Juan Pablo Montoya to three points with two races remaining with his 50th win for the Italian team.

With Rubens Barrichello claiming third and the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships finely poised, Brawn told the tifosi to savour the victory.

"If there has ever been a better reception to a Ferrari win I can't remember it," said Brawn. "I've never seen anything like it. The tifosi have been suffering with us for the last few races. But they were able to enjoy it today - after the pain comes the pleasure."

The result leaves Ferrari just four points behind Williams in the Constructors' Championship and Schumacher three points ahead of Montoya in the drivers' battle. Brawn admitted that a good showing was vital to Ferrari's season after seeing the team fail to win for the previous three races.

"We needed it a lot," added Brawn. "In terms of the Championship it would have been very difficult if we hadn't got the result today. We've really had a few races where we haven't been competitive. Today we were and that's a very good sign for the rest of the season."