European Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher responded to his Monaco disappointment with a dominant victory at the Nürburgring, reasserting Ferrari's authority with a commanding performance that restored normal service at the European Grand Prix. The German controlled the race from pole position, leading every lap as Rubens Barrichello completed Ferrari's fifth one-two finish in seven races. Jenson Button claimed his fourth podium of the season for BAR-Honda in third, the Englishman's remarkable consistency establishing him as the season's surprise package behind the dominant Ferraris.

The race demonstrated that Monaco had been an anomaly rather than evidence of Ferrari's decline. Schumacher's flawless performance on the technical Nürburgring circuit showcased the F2004's devastating superiority on conventional tracks, his 20-second winning margin underlining Ferrari's comprehensive advantage. Barrichello followed team orders perfectly, maintaining station throughout while securing maximum constructor points. Button's third place continued his impressive run, though the gap to Ferrari remained insurmountable for BAR and every other team on the grid.

Schumacher's sixth victory from seven starts restored his aura of invincibility and extended his championship lead to 76 points over Barrichello. The German looked certain to clinch his seventh world title by mid-season if Ferrari's dominance continued at its current level. The Nürburgring result confirmed that Ferrari had merely stumbled at Monaco rather than shown genuine vulnerability, their supremacy as absolute as ever on circuits where raw performance dictated results. Rivals returned to their development facilities knowing they faced an unprecedented challenge.