 Analysis: Schumacher - The Record Man of F1 Sunday October 14th, 2001 By Alan Baldwin
Ferrari boss Jean Todt dislikes superlatives yet even he is finding it increasingly difficult to avoid them. The four times champion has claimed win after win - nine in all this year - and record after record. Most wins, most points, most fastest laps - there are few "bests" in Formula One that do not belong to the 32-year-old. His pole to podium triumph in Sunday's season-ending Japanese Grand Prix was the perfect finale to what the German considers his best year so far. "This was the perfect end to the season," said Schumacher. "Winning the final race is just what you need before the long winter break." His ninth win of 2001 was a record-equalling haul and one he also achieved in 1995 with Benetton and 2000 with Ferrari. Only one other driver, Briton Nigel Mansell with Williams in 1992, has equalled that tally. Great Season "Obviously it has been a great season," said Todt. "Ferrari has achieved records - 179 points (for the team) a World Champion after 13 Grands Prix notwithstanding very tough competition. "So we are just delighted about all that and of course it's fantastic to finish the season on a win. Last year was great, this year was great. We will try our best next year as well." The 10 points allowed Schumacher, with 801, to move ahead of the all-time scoring record held by Alain Prost although the point system has changed over the years and more races have been added to the calendar. His season's tally of 123 was also a record. Suzuka brought him his 53rd career victory, two more than the previous record held by Frenchman Prost. Schumacher arrived in Japan with a fourth world title secured in Hungary almost two months ago and he leaves with his sights set firmly on a record-equalling fifth next year. Few doubt that the man, who has finished first or second in 30 of the last 36 races, can do it. Prost and others have suggested Schumacher, who has sworn allegiance to Ferrari until the end of 2004, could make it six or seven titles before he is done. Ayrton Senna's record of 65 poles - Schumacher currently has 43 - still remains to be conquered and Italian Riccardo Patrese's amazing 256 starts must surely be a mark too far. But with Schumacher in the form of his life, who knows what might be possible.
Published at 11:38:22 GMT
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Michael Schumacher sealed his place in Grand Prix history long ago but his achievements this season have taken the German to a new level of greatness.
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