San Marino Grand Prix 2000 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher claimed a crucial victory at Imola in front of the passionate Tifosi, fending off pole-sitter Mika Häkkinen in an intense battle that showcased both drivers at their brilliant best. Häkkinen led the opening stages from pole position, but Schumacher's superior strategy and tire management allowed him to jump ahead during the pit stop phase. The German then held off fierce pressure from the McLaren driver, demonstrating exceptional racecraft on Ferrari's home circuit to take his third win in three races.

The battle for second between Häkkinen and David Coulthard added drama to the McLaren garage, with the two silver cars crossing the line in formation to limit the damage to Schumacher. The victory was emotionally charged for Ferrari and Schumacher, coming at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari where the team's passionate Italian supporters created an electric atmosphere. Schumacher's hat-trick of wins gave him a commanding 20-point lead in the championship, and his dominance at Ferrari's spiritual home track sent a powerful message that this might finally be the year the Scuderia ended their championship drought.