Delighted Schumacher Closes on Fifth Title

A delighted Michael Schumacher was closing on a record-equalling fifth Formula One world title on Sunday after celebrating another Ferrari one-two at the British Grand Prix.

The German led his Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello across the line by 14.5 seconds on an afternoon of sun and showers at Silverstone for his 60th career triumph and seventh victory in ten races this year.

It was Ferrari's fourth one-two finish of 2002 and Schumacher could secure the title at the French Grand Prix in two weeks' time. Failing that, he looks certain to be crowned before his own adoring fans at Hockenheim on July 28.

"I am delighted because it was a very special race today," the German said. "It was all or nothing at various moments. It is number 60 and Silverstone hasn't given me too many victories. And in terms of the Championship it is obviously ideal to finish again like that."

Schumacher, whose only other victory in Britain came in 1998 a year before he crashed and broke his leg at Silverstone, now enjoys a 54-point lead over Barrichello. The Brazilian set the fastest lap, a race record time of 1:23.083, after going from the front row to the back of the field when his car stalled before the formation lap.

Schumacher could equal 1992 champion Nigel Mansell as the fastest Championship winner in history, having taken his fourth title last year with four races in hand, but he seemed unaware of the position until informed at a post race news conference.

"Let's wait and see," he said.

Schumacher's win on Sunday meant that the all-conquering German equalled Argentinean Carlos Reutemann's record for most point finishes in a row with 15.