Canadian Grand Prix 2002 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher bounced back from his Monaco defeat with a dominant victory in Montreal, reasserting Ferrari's supremacy on a circuit that typically favored Ferrari's rivals. The German delivered a masterclass in race management, controlling the Canadian Grand Prix from start to finish despite constant pressure from David Coulthard's pursuing McLaren. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's long straights and heavy braking zones usually penalized Ferrari's aerodynamic-focused philosophy, but the F2002's all-round excellence overcame these traditional disadvantages.

Coulthard drove brilliantly to claim second place, using every ounce of the Mercedes engine's power to stay within striking distance of Schumacher throughout the race. The Scot's podium finish represented McLaren's best result since his Monaco victory, offering continued hope that the silver cars could occasionally challenge Ferrari. Rubens Barrichello completed the podium in third, recovering well after a difficult start that saw him drop back from his front-row grid position. The Brazilian's pace in the closing laps suggested Ferrari had allowed him to race freely following the Austria controversy.

Schumacher's seventh victory in nine races put him 32 points clear in the championship and firmly on track to equal Fangio's record of five world titles. Ferrari's Canadian triumph on a circuit that should have favored their rivals demonstrated the F2002's superiority across all track types. The team's domination had become so complete that the season's narrative shifted from 'who will win' to 'when will Schumacher clinch the title' - a question that would be answered earlier than anyone anticipated.