Brazilian Grand Prix 2002 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher debuted Ferrari's revolutionary F2002 with a commanding victory at Interlagos, immediately demonstrating the new car's superiority as he dominated from pole position to secure his third win in three races. The F2002's arrival marked a watershed moment in the season - its advanced aerodynamics, improved weight distribution, and longer wheelbase provided a devastating performance advantage that would carry Ferrari to unprecedented dominance. Schumacher's mastery in the Brazilian heat was complete, never seriously challenged as he extended his championship lead.

Ralf Schumacher delivered a strong second place for Williams-BMW, holding off David Coulthard's charging McLaren in the closing laps to secure valuable points. The battle for third provided the race's main excitement, with Coulthard using every ounce of the Mercedes engine's power to attack the Williams on Interlagos' long straights. Behind them, Juan Pablo Montoya's race unraveled with reliability issues, while Rubens Barrichello struggled in the older-spec Ferrari F2001B before retiring.

The F2002's debut victory sent shockwaves through the paddock. Ferrari's rivals realized they faced an even more dominant machine than the all-conquering F2001, and their worst fears about the season's competitiveness were confirmed. Schumacher's perfect start to 2002 - three wins from three starts - put him firmly in control of the championship chase, and the F2002's arrival suggested this advantage would only grow. The season's competitive balance had effectively ended at round three.