Japanese Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher claimed his thirteenth and final victory of the season with a commanding performance at Suzuka, capping Ferrari's record-breaking 2004 campaign with another dominant display at the Japanese Grand Prix. The German controlled the race from pole position, leading every lap as his brother Ralf delivered Williams' best result since the Indianapolis crash with second place. Jenson Button completed the podium for BAR-Honda in third, securing third in the drivers' championship and confirming the team's remarkable emergence as Ferrari's closest challengers.

Schumacher's thirteenth win established a new single-season victory record, surpassing his own 2002 benchmark of eleven triumphs and setting a mark that would stand until 2013. The German's flawless Suzuka performance epitomized his season-long dominance - pole position, fastest lap, and unchallenged victory at one of Formula 1's most demanding circuits. Ralf Schumacher's second place provided an emotional high point, the younger brother's return to the podium following his horrific Indianapolis crash demonstrating remarkable resilience. The Schumacher brothers' one-two finish represented a rare family achievement in modern Formula 1.

The Japanese Grand Prix concluded the most dominant season in Formula 1 history, Ferrari's thirteen victories from eighteen races establishing performance benchmarks that defined motorsport excellence. Schumacher finished with 148 points - 34 ahead of Barrichello - while completing every racing lap of the season. Ferrari's constructor championship margin exceeded 140 points, their superiority so absolute that regulation changes were implemented specifically to prevent similar dominance. For Schumacher and Ferrari, 2004 represented the absolute pinnacle of their legendary partnership - a season of such total domination that it would never be matched.