Michael Schumacher produced one of the greatest tactical races in the history of Formula One as he pitted four times to win the 2004 French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.
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When a team employs a four pit stop strategy, the result inevitably is a finish outside of the podium or the points. But, what if a four pit-stop strategy guaranteed a win in a Grand Prix? During the period of 2000 to 2004, Michael Schumacher was the ultimate alchemist. Whatever he and Ferrari tried, it turned to gold. During the 2004 French Grand Prix in Magny Cours, Schumacher and Ferrari put up a grand display of driving and tactics that left everyone stunned.
The 2004 Formula One season was dominated by Schumacher and Ferrari. Michael Schumacher had won the first eight out of the nine races and was gunning for another win. The French Grand Prix was a happy hunting ground for Schumacher. He had won six races in 1994,1995,1997,1998,2001 and 2002. In 2004, Michael Schumacher was pipped to pole position by Fernando Alonso in the Renault. On a track that was a bit difficult to overtake, Alonso’s pole position was crucial in the outcome of the race.
Alonso had comfortably secured the pole position and he set the pace at the start of the Grand Prix. The Renault car was extremely competitive on the French circuit and Fernando Alonso was already on top of his level. The Scuderia did not stick to the normal race plan. Race Strategist Luca Baldesserri suggesting the idea of a four pit-stop strategy instead, which Michael was more than happy to try.
For the plan to succeed, Schumacher had to put in lap times that were equivalent to qualifying. Alonso and Schumacher quickly checked out at the head of the field, largely due to the fact that both had opted for a light opening fuel load. The four pit stop strategy came into plan with Schumacher stopping on lap 11. Alonso made his stop three laps later.
However, the first part did not go according to plan. Schumacher was caught in traffic and Alonso managed to take the lead. Once Felippe Massa finally stopped on lap 21, Schumacher threw everything he could at Alonso’s four-second lead. The German duly carved half-a-second a lap out of the Spaniard before stopping on lap 29.
Schumacher’s amazing qualities of recording unbelievable fast laps in clean air and with low fuel loads was exceptional. The pressure told on Renault and Alonso. The Spaniard had been pushing his Michelin tyres harder than planned. Inevitably his pace collapsed, and hence gifted the lead to Schumacher when he stopped later. Schumacher had set a succession of new lap records.
The Ferrari team had opted to short-fill Schumacher, replacing a three-stop strategy for a four-stop, intending to keep the German on low fuel throughout. Schumacher hence managed to build a ten second lead before making its third stop, before catching back up to Alonso before their final stops.
Ultimately light-fuel and soft tyres prevailed, with Schumacher able to exit the pits from his fourth stop with a healthy lead over Alonso. Schumacher cruising through to claim his ninth win, a result which also secured his 60th win for Ferrari. The situation became even better for Ferrari at the end. Jarno Trulli, Renault’s second driver, made a mistake on the final corner. Rubens Barrichello seized upon the moment to take third place.
It was a fantastic result for Schumacher and Ferrari as they ensured the 2004 season would once again end up in dominance. Schumacher won his seventh Formula One title. However, Alonso would get his own in 2005 and 2006 as he won two consecutive F1 titles.
