Fisi Finishes First behind Kimi.

We Won Really
By Phil Giles
April 6 2003

Jordan's best Grand Prix weekend since Spa 1998 culminated with Giancarlo Fisichella crossing the finishing line in First place, just behind Mclaren driver Kimi Raikonnen.

The race got off to a bad start when for reasons unknown, Ralph Firman had to start from the pit lane in the spare car.  Still due to the unbelievable conditions the race was started behind the safety car.

The rain had stopped but the teams on their intermediates had to cope with monsoon conditions.  Turn three of the Interlagos circuit became somewhat of a swimming pool.  The standing water on the track claimed what seemed like half of the grid including such luminaries as Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya.  Fisi however kept out of the water and drove like the complete professional he is.

Ralph fared less better.  He managed to keep out of the deep end, however he suffered a massive suspension failure and skidded passed Giancarlo into turn one, collecting the rear of Olivier Panis at the same time.

Fisi kept his nose clean and gradually moved through the pack.  Raikonnen leading but on badly degrading tyres.  Running wide Fisi took his chance and dived inside to take the lead.

Meanwhile Mark Webber lost it on the start finish straight, shredding his car all over the circuit.  The race was stopped (on the same lap that Fisi took Kimi). 

The race had been run over 75% of it's distance and as such, the stoppage signalled the end of the race.  Fisi had crossed the line before Kimi.  He had won the race.

No. Rule 106 (I think) says that because Kimi had crossed the line in first place on the lap that the red flag was brought out, he was declared as the winner.

The Jordan pit crew were bouncing in the garage in the belief that they had won the race.  However as the news sunk in (and Ron Dennis had gone squealing to the stewards and anyone who'd listen), Kimi took the top step of the podium.

Eddie's face said it all.  The celebrations were muted because of Fernando Alonso's massive accident but Gary Anderson said that "If you told us we'd finish second I wouldn't have believed you! So I'm very happy,"