Spanish Grand Prix 2003 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher dominated the Spanish Grand Prix with a masterclass performance at Catalunya, securing his second consecutive victory and taking the championship lead for the first time in 2003. The German was untouchable from pole position, controlling every aspect of the race while the upgraded F2003-GA proved superior to all rivals on the technical Barcelona circuit. Fernando Alonso thrilled the home crowd with a brilliant second place for Renault, the young Spaniard holding off Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari in an intense battle for the runner-up position.

Barrichello claimed third after a frustrating race where he couldn't match his teammate's pace, the Brazilian struggling with his car's balance throughout the afternoon. The Ferrari one-three finish cemented the team's resurgence, their superior race strategy and tire management proving decisive. Williams suffered another disappointing weekend with both cars failing to finish, their reliability woes proving increasingly costly as Ferrari and McLaren pulled clear in both championships.

Schumacher's Spanish triumph - achieved with consummate ease - demonstrated Ferrari's growing confidence and momentum. The German had transformed a troubled start to the season into championship leadership within five races, his experience and Ferrari's development rate proving crucial advantages. Alonso's podium finish delighted the passionate Catalan fans and confirmed Renault's emergence as legitimate podium contenders, while Schumacher's commanding form suggested the title fight might not be as open as the early rounds indicated. The championship pendulum had swung decisively toward Ferrari.