Schumacher in sight of Spanish Grand Prix victory

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2004

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) — World champion Michael Schumacher overcame a poor start to the Spanish Grand Prix to put himself in sight of a fifth straight victory this season, though there were concerns over a cracked exhaust.

The Ferrari ace, who had started on pole position, had been passed by Renault driver Jarno Trulli at the lights, fought back and at the halfway stage had reclaimed the lead with teammate Rubens Barrichello in second place.

After 33 laps of the 66-lap race, Schumacher led the Brazilian by 3.3 seconds with Trulli down to third just ahead of Renault teammate and home hero Fernando Alonso.

Japan's Takuma Sato, who had started in third place in his BAR-Honda, was down in fifth.

Sauber's Giancarlo Fisichella was a surprise sixth while...