San Marino Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher claimed his fourth consecutive victory with a dominant performance at Imola, equaling his own record for successive wins despite losing pole position to Jenson Button's impressive qualifying lap. The German overpowered the BAR driver at the start and controlled the San Marino Grand Prix from the front, delivering another flawless drive on Ferrari's spiritual home soil. Button claimed a well-deserved second place after starting from his maiden career pole, while Juan Pablo Montoya completed the podium for Williams-BMW in a race that confirmed Ferrari's relentless superiority.

The weekend showcased contrasting narratives - Button's sensational pole lap suggested progress in closing the gap to Ferrari, yet Schumacher's race dominance underlined the F2004's overwhelming advantage when it mattered most. The German's superior start, impeccable tire management, and faster race pace demonstrated why Ferrari remained untouchable in race trim. Button drove maturely to secure second, his first pole position and second place representing career highlights even as the gap to Schumacher extended beyond 20 seconds. The enthusiastic tifosi celebrated Ferrari's fourth successive one-two... oh wait, Barrichello finished fourth.

Schumacher's fourth straight victory matched the record he'd set in 2001, while Ferrari's dominance on home territory delighted the passionate Italian fans. The result extended the German's perfect points haul to 40 from four races, an unprecedented start that put the championship effectively beyond reach before the European season properly began. Button's pace offered encouragement that BAR might challenge for victories later in the season, though Ferrari's relentless development suggested their supremacy would only grow stronger.