I am really not comfortable selecting a list of top five drivers from this last season. I hope you understand my reasoning, but I do have to race against these guys next season! So I prefer to leave that choice to our journalists.

It was quite a difficult and frustrating season and so it is quite hard for me to chose my best three races - but really it has to be my 'hat trick' of 5th places, scoring the first points for my Jordan Honda team: Austria, Monaco and Montreal.

• Something to remember: Qualifying sixth at the Hungaroring the next race after my accident. I felt very strong physically and mentally - no effects at all after Magny-Cours. I also really enjoyed racing on the new circuit at Hockenheim.
• Something to forget: That is easy, my crash at Magny-Cours. Although I still cannot remember any details about the accident itself.

Jo Ramirez     (JR)

1. Raikkonen; 2. Barrichello; 3. Montoya; 4. Sato; 5. Massa

I do not think it is necessary to mention the likes of Michael Schumacher or David Coulthard, champions in their own right, who have performed as well as the cars they have driven. So putting them aside, here's my pick:

Kimi's first year in a top team showed maturity, speed, car control and fearlessness, without been intimidated by his teammate - on the contrary: more often than none beating him in qualifying. Without a doubt, a Champion in the making.

It was great to see how much Rubinho improved this year. This latest Ferrari really seems to suit his driving and on a few occasions he got too close for comfort to the Champion. It is a great shame that he is not allowed to race Michael - if he was, I am sure that he would have generated enough adrenaline and anger to have beaten him a few times.

For someone who can make seven pole positions this year, Juan Pablo has got to be good enough to win more than just the Italian GP last year. Hopefully Williams and Michelin will be able to produce a good and lasting package that will enable Juan Pablo to knock on the red door more often than he has done.

Maybe with the Japanese Grand Prix still in our minds, Sato will certainly merit a mention. He had a very mixed year but in the last race with all the pressure behind him, he did not put a wheel wrong and made everyone feel proud of him - his team, Honda and the whole of Japan.

It's hard to believe that after a first year like Felipe had, with nothing to be ashamed for, he will be out of Formula One in 2003. OK, his driving needs to be polished as it is full of rough corners, but so was that of Jody Scheckter, Gilles Villeneuve and James Hunt. Felipe, like all of them, has the speed, the commitment and the determination. Let's hope we will see him back.

1. Monaco; 2. Britain; 3. France

Monaco was one of only 2 races not won by a Ferrari car, and although the leaders never changed it was very close throughout the entire race. The British weather must take the credit for producing a good race behind the customary brilliancy of the red cars, rain or shine. And, although Michael won his fifth Word Championship in the French Grand Prix so early in the year, it seemed that he was not his usual self, and gave us the hope that perhaps McLaren and Williams would be ousting him from the top sooner... but it was only wishful thinking.

• Something to remember: I loved seeing the Australians - Minardi - coming back home and doing well at the Australian GP.
• Something to forget: Without a doubt, the finish of the Austrian Grand Prix. Although I would also like to forget also the penalty imposed on Juan Pablo Montoya at the Malaysian GP for being a racing driver! In fact, there were far too many incidents that I would like to forget in what was by far the least exciting year in the sport that I care to remember.

Ann Bradshaw     (ABr)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Montoya; 3. Barrichello; 4. Raikkonen; 5. Webber

Love him or hate him, Michael Schumacher is the best in the world. Records are made to be broken and he has done this and now set a new benchmark for the next generation of drivers. On a personal level, I have always found him polite and courteous.

I like Montoya as a person and also as a driver. He has the ability to pull something extra out in qualifying, as demonstrated in Silverstone and Monza. He is never bland in his comments, and isn't it nice to see a driver who looks as though he genuinely enjoys what he is doing? Although he has not had the year we hoped for, I still believe he will be a World Champion.

It must be hard to be Michael's teammate, but Rubens has not only proved worthy of a place in the 'best' team but also acted with good grace in difficult circumstances. He gets ten out of ten just for avoiding being either quoted or misquoted on what happened in Austria and Indianapolis by the press!

There is no doubt both Peter Sauber and Ron Dennis have recognised a great natural talent in Kimi Raikkonen, and he is a worthy successor on the track to the other great Finnish racing drivers, Keke Rosberg and Mika Hakkinnen. I have a friend who has a lovely smile but you seldom see it. To make her smile I usually say, 'where is that coat-hanger to put in your mouth?' Perhaps someone should do this to Kimi!!

Finally, Mark Webber is, in my opinion, the most handsome driver in the pitlane and also one of the nicest. He has done both himself and Minardi proud this year and has proved the underdog can come good - as witnessed in Australia - especially if you have talent, as he undoubtedly does. No disrespect to Paul Stoddart and Minardi, but it will be great to see him in a competitive car in 2003.

1. Malaysia; 2. France; 3. Monaco

I have nothing against Ferrari personally, but have to admit the races they did not win were my favourites. Although it was not good to see a first corner incident play such an important part in the outcome of the Malaysian GP, it was fun to see both Juan Pablo and Michael fight back after their coming together and then accept it as a racing incident. It was refreshing to see two drivers talking about such an incident without recriminations, although I thought Juan Pablo's penalty was ludicrous.

Although the French GP was the race where Michael Schumacher won his title, it was a relief not to have him dominating the race and wouldn't it have been great to see Kimi Raikkonen win his first race? Kimi and Juan Pablo Montoya added some interest to the World Championship, even though sadly the Finn slid off the track and let Michael by.

Finally, although the Monaco GP proved that if you get out in front you are likely to be able to stay there, this is a place where you cannot afford to make a mistake. David Coulthard kept his head and, despite pressure from Michael, put on a flawless display of driving. He may have been overshadowed by his young teammate this year, but here we saw why he won a race while Kimi didn't: he didn't put a foot wrong.

• Something to remember: The looks of happiness on the faces of Mark Webber and Paul Stoddart in Melbourne and Takuma Sato and Eddie Jordan in Japan. We see so many miserable faces on the podium, so it was wonderful to see sheer, unadulterated joy at coming fifth.
• Something to forget: The sackings of Mika Salo and Allan McNish by Toyota. This proved loyalty counts for nothing in some places and that Toyota may have misjudged the importance of continuity in F1. Only time will tell.

Timothy Collings     (TC)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Fisichella; 4. Button; 5. Raikkonen

Michael Schumacher is simply the best. There is no argument and no question. The statistics prove it. He drove well all season and made the most of the perfect package offered to him by Ferrari. And, if nobody could touch Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello was the nearest to get close. He was let down by his team in the early part of the year, handled difficult situations admirably, and still did enough to take the runners-up spot.

When Giancarlo Fisichella's talent comes through, it proves that he can get up there, if only he wasn't held back by his machinery. Likewise for Jenson Button. And lastly, Kimi Raikkonen settled down after some erratic performances early in year and he looks genuinely quick.

1. Japan; 2. Austria; 3. Monaco

The reaction of the Japanese crowd to new home superstar Takuma Sato was an unforgettable sight. His performance livened up what would otherwise have been an un-noteworthy end to the year. Likewise, Austria ranks up high because of the row, the commotion and the reaction to Ferrari's sensational team order stunt. And finally, Monaco is always memorable, made even more so this year when David Coulthard fought the odds and beat Schumacher and Ferrari.

• Something to remember: The look on Paul Stoddart's face when Mark Webber claimed fifth place in their home Grand Prix in Australia and stepped onto the podium for an impromptu celebration.
• Something to forget: The sight of the Arrows trucks leaving the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and saying goodbye to the Grand Prix circus for what could be the final time.

Alan Baldwin     (ABa)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Montoya; 3. Barrichello; 4. Coulthard; 5. R.Schumacher

Michael needs no explanation. The rest are all winners, except Montoya who kept his best for Saturday afternoons.

1. Australia; 2. Italy; 3. France

Australia offered a dramatic start and some unfamiliar faces in the points. Next is Ferrari's one-two before their home fans in Italy. And lastly, Kimi blowing what would have been his first win to hand Michael the title.

• Something to remember: The Minardi celebrations after Webber finished fifth in Melbourne.
• Something to forget: Arrows's 'attempt' to qualify for the French GP.

Jane Nottage     (JN)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Fisichella; 3. Barrichello; 4. Raikkonen; 5. Montoya

A brilliant driver combined with a brilliant car is an unstoppable combination and this year we have watched history being made as records have tumbled. Michael Schumacher is a maestro at the top of his game and instead of moaning about lack of entertaiment we should feel privileged to have been around to witness his supremacy.

In my mind, Giancarlo Fisichella is a great driver. Precise and fast, the Italian has set about wringing the neck of the Jordan often to no avail, but he should have been snapped up by Ferrari.

Rubens Barrichello has shown maturity in dealing with being Schumacher's teammate and has raised his game to push the World Champion to the limits. Much improved both in driving skill and in personality.

The French Grand Prix showed the potential of what is to come from Kimi Raikkonen. He is still young and tends to make mistakes but manages to get out of tight spots unlike other drivers - for example, during the Japanese Grand Prix, when he spun and then gathered the car, whereas others had come to grief. A World Champion in the making and as well as being talented, he has shown he is brave and fearless.

Juan Pablo Montoya is a great character and is therefore good for the sport. Managed to finish third in the Drivers' World Championship in only his second season in Formula One and if he can learn to be a little more subtle in how he approaches race weekend - not just going for the one lap screamer and plonking the car on pole position, but also concentrating on race set up and doing well in the races - then we will see him win more races in 2003.

1. Australia; 2. United States; 3. France

The Australian GP was entertaining and Minardi got two precious points in their quest for glory. Similarly, the two Williams drivers going into each other at Indianapolis provided entertainment value, as well as Schumi making up for Austria. And lastly, Michael Schumacher captured his fith World Championship in record breaking time at France, where we also saw the emergence of Kimi Raikkonen as a future contender for the World Crown.

• Something to remember: the supremacy of Michael Schumacher who, after winning the title for the fifth time, just seemed to go out and enjoy himself each time he was on the track.
• Something to forget: the infighting amongst the teams, with Ron Dennis and his band of supporters trying to retrieve Minardi's TV money. Formula One needs to be united in going forward, not scrapping amongst itself all the time.

Will Gray     (WG)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Montoya; 4. Button; 5. Barrichello

Michael Schumacher put in the perfect performance when it was required throughout the season and etched his place in the record books. Made one mistake - in the United States - which showed he is still human, but apart from that he is the undisputed Champion of the world. Please. Somebody stop him.

Kimi Raikkonen showed maturity well beyond his single season of Formula One and developed well. Would have won his first Grand Prix in France if he was not tripped up by a patch of oil and showed his class in Belgium - on the drivers' circuit of Spa - where he was always the closest driver to Schumacher.

Juan Pablo Montoya was the only man who could - and dared to - shake a stick at Schumacher at the start of the season but was often let down by his team. Five successive poles proved he is master of the single lap but inconsistency dropped him behind fellow star of the future Raikkonen.

It took a great effort from Jenson Button to pick himself from a disastrous 2001 but, still only 22, he composed himself and started the better of the Renault pair. He claimed 60 percent of their points and coped admirably with the news of his unceremonious chop from the team in the middle of the year.

Finally, racing the best car on the grid, Rubens Barrichello did a good job of completing the five season-ending Ferrari one-twos. But Schumacher could always leave him standing at will and there was always the chance that he would fail to secure an all-Ferrari front row. A good back-up man, but not close enough.

1. Austria; 2. Brazil; 3. France

Sure, Barrichello led a Ferrari cruise from the start as Williams' hopes faded, but the Austrian GP was full of action with two safety car periods - including one for perhaps the most dramatic crash of the season - and, of course, the drama went through the roof at the end. A thriller.

With the title race still open (Brazil was only the third race of the year!) Schumacher had a brand new Ferrari and anticipation was enough to make this race exciting. A second Montoya-Schumacher crash and a brother battle to the end did the business too. The close fight left hope.

In France, everyone was on the edge of their seat as Kimi Raikkonen steered his McLaren around with Schumacher's car glued to its gearbox. Ferrari were almost defeated but in the blink of an eye Raikkonen lost his maiden win and Schumacher snatched his record-equalling fifth title. A tearjerker on both accounts.

• Something to remember: The reaction to Ferrari's controversial team-orders finish in Austria both trackside and in the media centre was astonishing - but still nothing has been done to try and stop such moves in the future.
• Something to forget: Paul Stoddart's outbursts have been regular and entertaining, but the Formula One boss should not do his dirty washing in public. If he needs to make his point then he should reserve it for the team principals' meetings.

Roger Horton     (RH)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Coulthard; 3. Montoya; 4. Raikkonen; 5. R.Schumacher

Michael was just Michael, and his continued dominance just never looked threatened all season. Once again David Coulthard did the best with what he had and took his one and only chance at Monaco when his McLaren gave him the ability to win. Montoya's raw talent blossomed, and his can probable lay claim to being the fastest driver on the grid over one lap, but on a couple of occasions he left his brain behind come race day.

Raikkonen is without doubt a future Champion, and we saw a couple of glimpses of his true potential during this, his first season with McLaren. Ralf drove consistently well all season and deserves his top five rating, but his driving continues to lack the aggression required to make him a Champion.

1. Malaysia; 2. Monaco; 3. Britain

Looking back, it's pretty easy to recall these races because they were about the only times we saw a genuine contest for anything more than the first few laps. Malaysia provided a race with plenty of overtaking as both Montoya and Michael Schumacher made their way back through the field after their first lap contact. Monaco once again gave us a close race, whilst Silverstone's wet weather provided us with an opportunity to observe some high class wet weather driving before the superiority of Bridgestone's intermediate tyres allowed Schumacher to win with his customary ease.

• Something to remember: The briefly wonderful scrap between Montoya and Raikkonen in the German GP.
• Something to forget: Montoya's idiotic penalty in Malaysia.

Karl Ludvigsen     (KL)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Trulli; 4. Barrichello; 5. Heidfeld

Michael is top, of course. His consummate skill and ability to think about the race while driving the race were never better displayed than this season. Very close to him I put Kimi. We saw some great drives from this young man, a tremendous talent for the future. He impressed me when he first surfaced with Sauber and he continues to do so.

Beyond those two it's not easy to pick out drivers for special commendation. Nevertheless, I go for Jarno Trulli, who made the best of Renault's new package; Rubens Barrichello for coming closer to matching Michael than anybody has for a long time; and Nick Heidfeld for his solid performances for Sauber. Finally, with his unforced errors, Juan Pablo Montoya must rank as the disappointment of the year.

1. Monaco; 2. Britain; 3. Belgium

After Austria, Monaco was just what we needed - an incident-packed race without injuries and very close racing, ending with a non-Ferrari winner. It was one of the very best. Silverstone gave us a fine race too, and seems to be solving its access problems, while the Belgian race had lots of action up and down the field. If this track is deleted from future F1 calendars it will be a catastrophe.

• Something to remember: Real racing between the brothers Schumacher in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Honorable mention: Takuma Sato's points finish in Japan.
• Something to forget: Rubens's gift of victory in Austria to Michael. Honorable mention: The McLarens qualifying 10th and 11th in Hungary.

Richard Barnes     (RB)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Barrichello; 4. Montoya; 5. Webber

Even with the F2002 advantage, Michael Schumacher was peerless. Raikkonen surprised in his first season with McLaren, and emerged as a potential champion. After a shaky start, Barrichello raced consistently and at least kept Schumacher honest during the second half of the season. During the same period, Montoya fell away, but overall consolidated his position against teammate Ralf Schumacher. Webber was hard to judge overall, both by the level of his teammate and his machinery. Time and a better car will provide definitive answers.

1. Australia; 2. Malaysia; 3. France

The unpredictability and excitement of a new season, combined with Mark Webber's surprise points finish on home soil, made Australia memorable. The action and uncertainty of Malaysia lifted it above average, and Kimi Raikkonen's heart-breaking error at France was also notable.

• Something to remember: Jordan mechanics, with hair dyed in the colours of the Japanese flag, mobbing Takuma Sato after his season-saving performance at Suzuka.
• Something to forget: The empty Arrows garages for the latter part of the season.

Thomas O'Keefe     (TO)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Montoya; 3. Raikkonen; 4. Sato; 5. Massa

Michael Schumacher rewrote the record book each race this year, while both Montoya and Raikkonen - between themselves and as against Michael Schumacher - showed this year that they have the inner steel to take it to the Champion, but they have to be able to stay up with him first!

Unable to qualify in Australia, crashing with his teammate in the tunnel at Monaco, speared by Heidfeld's Sauber in a horrific accident in Austria and let down by Honda's persistent engine problems, Sato's first season seemed destined to be his last until his home crowd willed him into the points at Suzuka and saved his bacon. It is a pretty pathetic season where the human interest highlights are Webber's points in a Minardi at his home race in Australia and Sato's analogous performance in Japan, but these are the crumbs from the table we are left to savor these days.

Massa, another rookie known to keep the Sauber autoclaves busy with his penchant for crashing, was as scrappy and creative a passer as they come, dicing with Villeneuve and Button for much of the season.

1. France; 2. Britain; 3. Canada

Magny-Cours, ridiculed traditionally by many as a boring venue, seemed exciting to me this year all the way through from the tense and thrilling qualifying duel between Montoya and Schumacher, to the race itself, which was marred (and improved) by several crossing-the-pit-exit-line violations that led to the Raikkonen/Michael Schumacher chase down to the Adelaide Hairpin.

Silverstone was unique in that it featured both Ferrari drivers working hard for their result for a change. And finally, Montreal always seems to produce interesting races and this year with the CART cars running on the same 2.709 miles circuit less than three months after the F1 cars left, the side-by-side comparison enlivened both races.

• Something to remember: Montoya's stunning one-upmanship during qualifying for the French Grand Prix, matching and bettering Michael Schumacher's times four times over, ultimately claiming pole position by a margin of 0.023 seconds.
• Something to forget: Danny Sullivan's Red Bull Infomercials before several Grands Prix; all spin, no win.

Marcel Schot     (MS)

1. Barrichello; 2. M.Schumacher; 3. Button; 4. Raikkonen; 5. Webber

Putting Barrichello ahead of Schumacher has a lot to do with expectations: Rubens drove many very good races this season, whereas Schumacher was just cruising most of the time. Jenson Button made a great comeback after having been written off by most. Kimi Raikkonen showed he has the talent, but in the end wasn't yet convincing enough to get higher on the list.

Mark Webber brought Minardi their first points in years and especially in practice showed he's able to bring the car further than it's been in a long time. Missing in my picks are the Williams boys - because of too many mistakes and fighting amongst themselves, and David Coulthard - because he just wasn't able to be the number one at McLaren.

1. France; 2. Britain; 3. Germany

Magny Cours was by far the most enjoyable race this year, mainly because it was one of the very few times where Ferrari and Schumacher actually had to fight for their win. Silverstone was spectacular because of the weather, and Hockenheim because of the camera work. The rest were mainly very boring.

• Something to remember: Takuma Sato's Japanese Grand Prix. After a very difficult season, this was a fantastic climax and by far the most joyful moment of the season.
• Something to forget: I really think the whole season is one to forget, but if to pick out one specific moment the I'd say the finish of the US Grand Prix. Austria was a disgrace, but to repeat it was downright sick.

Michele Lostia     (ML)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Montoya; 4. Raikkonen; 5. Webber

Business as usual for Michael Schumacher: never on an off day, he won more than ever before, even allowing for a few 'gift' exchanges with his teammate. He has been on a mission for over a decade, but clearly hasn't had enough.

Barrichello has, without doubt, experienced one of his best seasons ever, managing to often match and at times even surpass his teammate's pace. In contrast, Montoya faced a season of high expectations: not having won a race was more down to the level of his machinery, while his string of pole positions was phenomenal.

Raikkonen experienced more mechanical failures than almost any other driver, but when he was there he kept his cool and raced hard. Webber for me is the rookie of the year: lots of solid performances, battling with the Jaguars, Toyotas and Arrows, and constantly outperforming his teammates.

1. Britain; 2. Australia; 3. Germany

Silverstone, the only non-dry race of the season, turned out to be, unsurprisingly, the most exciting. Barrichello's run to second from the back of the grid was mesmerizing, also thanks to Bridgestone's superior tyres.

Besides having half the field wiped out by a first corner pile up, allowing a few teams to score some unexpected points, the Melbourne race saw some interesting on-track battles. Hockenheim, although it now looks like every other track, gave us a fantastic wheel-to-wheel exchange between Montoya and Raikkonen.

• Something to remember: Webber and Stoddart celebrating on the Melbourne podium.
• Something to forget: The whole Phoenix debacle.

Marcel Borsboom     (MB)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Sato; 4. Fisichella; 5. Montoya

Although I am undecided about the reasons of Michael Schumacher's superiority this year, it was easy to see that he was the best of 2002. It could be due to him being that good or the rest being average at best, but he was the most consistant and complete driver in 2002.

The rest of my top 5 are drivers who at some point in 2002 impressed me: Raikkonen for being the only one who got remotely close to Schumacher in Spa; Sato for his race in Japan; Fisichella for his performance in various races; and Montoya for his amazing pole positions.

1. Monaco; 2. Britain; 3. France

Most of the races in 2002 were nothing more than a red blur. The three races I picked had something else or more in them than just Ferrari walking away with it.

• Something to remember: The finish of the Japanese Grand Prix.
• Something to forget: Ferrari-engineered races.

Tom Keeble     (TK)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Barrichello; 4. Montoya; 5. Coulthard

There is no denying that Michael Schumacher has had a fantastic season. No-one finishes on the podium in every race of the season without making the best of their equipment - no matter how dominant. Deserved 'best of the rest' goes to Kimi Raikkonen, who, but for better luck, might have made more of his excellent qualifying performances.

Rubens Barrichello has never had a more mature season, whilst Montoya's string of pole positions was brilliant, even if he failed to convert them to wins. David Coulthard's win in Monaco, during what is probably his strongest season in a car that really didn't have it, has him rounding out my top five.

1. Britain; 2. Australia; 3. Monaco

The only race that really sticks in the memory this year is the British GP, where there was real racing, lots of strategy, and the farce of Michelin's wet weather tyre. Webber and Salo scoring in Australia was a good way to start the year, whilst Monaco saw Coulthard win, the only time the F2002 has not been on the top of the podium.

• Something to remember: The crowd booing Ferrari in Austria.
• Something to forget: Michelin's wet weather tyres!

Pablo Elizalde     (PE)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Barrichello; 4. Montoya; 5. R.Schumacher

Despite a season marked by PR blunders and controversial decisions, there's little doubt who the best driver was in 2002. With the best car of the field, Michael Schumacher demonstrated again that his hunger for victories has no end and he, literally, destroyed his rivals.

In his first year with a top team, Kimi Raikkonen proved he is already a World Champion in the making, outperforming his more experienced teammate more often than not. In 2002, Rubens Barrichello proved to be Schumacher's best teammate ever and, in some races, was a good match to the German's speed.

Juan Pablo Montoya was erratic in his second season in F1, mixing brilliant performances with silly mistakes. His battles with Raikkonen were one of the high points of the season. Lastly, despite everyone expecting Montoya to blow him away, Ralf was able to perform solidly most of the year and stood to the challenge.

1. Britain; 2. Australia; 3. France

It's hard to remember any exciting races this year, but the British Grand Prix definitely stands out as one of the most - if not the most - action-packed event of the year. It was another Ferrari one-two, but the rain, as usual, caused havoc and provided a lot of overtaking and drama. Barrichello's recovery from the back of the grid was sensational.

The Australian Grand Prix was similarly filled with action, and the first lap chaos allowed for some surprising results, like Mark Webber's fifth place. It was also great watching Raikkonen coming so close to winning in France, and Michael Schumacher's charge after a penalty, which made his win a remarkable one.

• Something to remember: The battles between Montoya and Raikkonen.
• Something to forget: Ferrari's antics.

Bruce Thomson     (BT)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Montoya; 4. Raikkonnen; 5. R.Schumacher

Michael Schumacher certainly had the car (and the contract) to win the World Championship with embarrassing ease, but his performances at Spa and Suzuka were a reminder of just how good he can be, and it would be hard to argue that anyone put in a more consistently good performance throughout the year.

Rubens gave Schumacher more to think about than perhaps any other teammate to date - a very impressive performance which slots him into #2 for me. Montoya gets third due more to his outright speed, especially as seen in qualifying, than his race-savvy. His race performances were marred by several uncharacteristically lacklustre performances, something he will have to address next year if he hopes to unseat Michael Schumacher.

1. Malaysia; 2. Brazil; 3. Monaco

These are, to my mind, the best of an indifferent bunch. Malaysia was interesting for the battle between Schumacher and Montoya at the start and their subsequent fightback through the field. It was nice to see Rubens leading a GP again too, prior to his unfortunate departure. I liked Brazil for its close finish, although Ralf never did really look like passing Michael, and Monaco was of interest simply because it was one of only 2 races not won by the Ferrari steamroller.

• Something to remember: Michael Schumacher's mesmerizing performance at Spa.
• Something to forget: Montoya getting penalised at the Malaysian race for being hit by Michael Schumacher.

David Wright     (DW)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Raikkonen; 4. Coulthard; 5. Webber

Surprise, surprise about who was number one this year (again). Thanks to the F2002, we probably saw less of the best of Michael, as he didn't need to stretch himself as much as before to get to, and stay at the front. Rubens Barrichello made the best use of the equipment at his disposal, recovering from some poor early reliability to finish the season in the runner's up position, after pushing Michael harder this year than anyone has since Martin Brundle was his teammate in 1992.

Next up was rising star Kimi Raikkonen, showing that last year's efforts in the Sauber were no fluke and that with some more reliability, his speed could see him as a title contender in the near future. David Coulthard had another year when he scored many points and won a race, but thanks to McLaren, was never really in contention for the title.

The final place in the top five goes to Mark Webber, earning points in his first race while driving a solid year in a car that was always the slowest on the grid. Excluded are both Williams drivers, who failed to realise their potential after making too many mistakes and showing inconsistent pace.

1. Brazil; 2. Germany; 3. France

After the first lap contact when Montoya went for the lead, the Brazilian GP settled down to a battle between the brothers Schumacher. But there was no way Michael could one stop... could he? Then once it was clear he could, it was nose to tail to the finish in a battle all the way to the end. Which wasn't the chequered flag, thanks to Pele...

Germany was very similar: the two Schumachers having a race long battle before Ralf suffered a late race problem, while Montoya and Raikkonen ran wheel-to-wheel as they battled for position.

Finally, France, where Barrichello retired at the start, where Montoya led before the first round of pitstops, then Schumacher led before he was penalised for a pit exit problem, then Raikkonen led with a brief interlude by teammate Coulthard, before the engine of McNish's Toyota saw one more lead change as Michael Schumacher's record-equalling fifth title came sooner than even he had expected.

• Something to remember: The near-perfection of Ferrari.
• Something to forget: Some of Ferrari's finish line antics.

Don Capps     (DC)

1. Montoya; 2. Coulthard; 3. Raikkonen; 4. Webber; 5. Trulli

I selected those I saw as the best "racers" of the season, since selecting Michael "RoboMike" Schumacher is the obvious choice for best "driver". However, there are "racers" and there are "drivers" and this season RoboMike was a "driver" and not much a "racer". Nor did I think much of the performance of Rubens Barrichello this season, which is unfortunate since I think that a Ferrari team with the good Rubens at the head would be a far more personable and enjoyable team to follow.

My selections for the top three are really quite close, but Juan gets the nudge by a sliver over the McLaren Twins. Juan is still a racer and still brings some flair and excitement to the sport. David Coulthard is still a more complete racer and driver than Kimi Raikkonen, but young Kimi is definitely the next Coming man for the upper echelons of the series.

I think that Mark Webber and Jarno Trulli did superb jobs given their circumstances and tigered the entire system regardless of the odds - the nod going to Webber for the simple fact that he drove for Minardi. Allan McNish almost nosed out Trulli, but I think that the performance of Trulli was just that tiny bit better. I will say that the dismissal of McNish is something I have to wonder about since I think he is a racer at heart and did very well this season.

1. Monaco; 2. Australia; 3. United States

Well, only the Grand Prix de Monaco held much interest to me as an event, simply because it was a non-Ferrari win. And, since I have come to detest the current Monte Carlo circuit, this is quite a concession.

I put the Gron Pre e de Oz second because of the performance of Mark Webber and the Minardi team. And as difficult - nay, nearly impossible - as it is to find a third race, I will grudgingly submit - of all events! - the US GP, simply because it allows the many US fans an opportunity to have an F1 race.

• Something to remember: The best thing about the 2002 season was that on the Monday following the Japanese Grand Prix you didn't have to worry about the next Grand Bore event of the season.
• Something to forget: On a personal level, I think that I would have say that forgetting the 2002 season should be easy since it was easily the most passionless, sterile, boring, lacklustre season on record.

Mark Alan Jones     (MJ)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Montoya; 4. Webber; 5. Raikkonen

This year was one for the statisticians rather than the race fans. Michael, Rubens, Ferrari and Bridgestone swept all before them. The gulf from Ferrari to the rest was such that no matter how hard I tried, I found I couldn't justify not giving second spot to Rubens; the gap was just to big to make a comparison.

Juan Pablo Montoya is starting to get the consistency that will make him World Champion in two or three years' time. Kimi Raikkonen is, on occasion, showing us the ability that will see some fantastic Montoya/Raikkonen battles in the years ahead.

What can I say about my countryman Mark Webber? OK, maybe I can't be objective about him, but he has had a stunning year doing things that Minardis are not capable of, ruthlessly pointing out the shortcomings of Jaguar, Arrows and BAR along the way.

1. Monaco; 2. Australia; 3. France

Drama, excitement - Albert Park had everything. It gave us the impression that 2002 could be a brilliant season ahead, only to deceive us all unfortunately. Still, it did give us the greatest fifth place in history for Mark Webber aboard the Minardi. Aussie Aussie Aussie!, OI! OI! OI! Well, alright, my brain says Monaco was the better race. Dare I suggest that Formula One need more street races? The battle at France, while anti-climactic, did show us the 'what-might-have-been' of the year for Kimi Raikkonen.

• Something to remember: Webber's fifth place in Australia.
• Something to forget: The fall of Arrows.

Mark Glendenning     (MG)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Barrichello; 3. Webber; 4. Raikkonen; 5. Heidfeld

As much as I dislike Ferrari's habit of arranging the finishing order of races to suit themselves, the fact that there was nobody out there capable of stopping them means that they virtually nominate themselves for the top spots. Webber drove brilliantly all year, made virtually no mistakes, and was the only driver to outqualify his teammate in every race.

For the rest of the field, 2002 was a year marked more by underperformance than anything else, but Kimi showed flashes of something worth looking forward to in the future, and Heidfeld did a solid job that should leave Peter Sauber with little cause for complaint.

1. Monaco; 2. Australia; 3. Austria

It was not a year for particularly exciting racing, but Monaco was a standout as one of the rare cases when Ferrari were beaten fair and square. Australia was the 'feel good' race of the year, with both Webber and Toyota scoring points first time out, while Austria was, by 2002 terms, a pretty interesting race... right up until the final corner.

• Something to remember: Spa. We may not be seeing too much of it in the future.
• Something to forget: Most of the recent FIA proposals for 'improving' the show.

Biranit Goren     (BG)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Montoya; 4. Fisichella; 5. Coulthard

I was genuinely tempted to leave Michael Schumacher out of my picks this year, simply because the German is by now running in a racing series of his own (and I can't deny I wish he would have left F1 alone). But logic prevails: Schumacher was the most complete and most successful driver of the season.

Picking Kimi Raikkonen next was easy choice: he thrilled me this season more than any other driver. He is currently one of the few to offer hope for better days in F1. Likewise, Montoya continues to be 'the Next Best Thing', but that promise has not yet materialized in 2002, despite some brilliant qualifying performances and a thrilling duel with Raikkonen.

Giancarlo Fisichella impressed me in the Jordan, after he seemed destined to evaporate from the public eye due to yet another bad team move. And finally, David Coulthard - despite being overshadowed by Raikkonen's surprising talent - emerged as a much more mature and solid driver than ever before, and rightfully boasts the only win for his team.

1. Britain; 2. France; 3. Germany

The British Grand Prix was action packed - on track and in the pits (especially McLaren's), and as such offered rare entertainment value in an otherwise boring season. The French Grand Prix was Raikkonen's almost-win, but also had very few, if any, boring moments. Finally, the German Grand Prix is almost my contemporary equivalent of the legendary Dijon '79: Montoya and Raikkonen's wheel-banging duel gave me sheer goosebulbs.

• Something to remember: The podiums - in Australia (with Minardi celebrating), in Italy (with the tifosi right underneath it) and especially in Austria. The sound of tens of thousands of fans booing is not something I could ever forget.
• Something to forget: Where to Start! Arrows, Phoenix, Richards and Villeneuve, Ferrari in Austria, Schumacher in Indy, Stoddart and Dennis... it was really, really a bad year.

Craig Scarborough     (CS)

1. M.Schumacher; 2. Raikkonen; 3. Massa; 4. Fisichella; 5. Frentzen

First choice of driver is almost too obvious, but this year Michael Schumacher threw away his insecurities and despite Austria-Gate worked as part of the team. His clean races and calm under the intense media pressure mark him out as the top driver of 2002.

Kimi, Felipe and Giancarlo suffered infinite number of technical failures, but always went out and fought for their finishes - I would mark each of them out for future success. Heinz Harald Frentzen was my last and most difficult choice. His easy going nature and diligent approach to testing do not suggest he is a racer at heart. But, his will to find another seat after Arrows collapsed, his flying laps at Silverstone during his Sauber test, the subsequent major shunt and his pace at Indy proved his determination.

1. Australia; 2. Britain; 3. United States

For a season blighted by a procession at the front, any race that had a major shake up was a relief. The season's starter was a classic, with Ralf flying off at the start and the tail end teams picking up points. Silverstone was a race where Ferrari were caught on the hop with their lack of testing and Michael's lost session on Friday. Yet their pace regardless of the Wet/Dry conditions, the top teams' failure to get organised in the pits, and the lower placed teams' response to the ever changing weather brought us a classic race.

The race at Indy was ruined by the two Ferraris going off into the distance, but was brought alive by the two Williamses going off in the wrong direction! The racing amongst the midfield teams at a circuit where a fast straight is followed by a tight corner and slow complex showed us what overtaking is all about.

• Something to remember: Arrows Grand Prix. It has been a shame to lose a perennial midfielder and innovative manufacturer.
• Something to forget: Williams and McLaren. Both failed to deliver on their promises to beat Ferrari.