Austrian Grand Prix 2003 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher continued his remarkable resurgence with a dominant third consecutive victory at the A1-Ring, extending his championship lead while Kimi Räikkönen salvaged second place to keep his title hopes alive. The German was imperious from pole position, never challenged as he cruised to victory on a circuit where Ferrari typically excelled. The race's drama came from McLaren's decision-making, with Räikkönen inheriting second after teammate David Coulthard was ordered to let him through in the closing laps - McLaren finally acknowledging the Finn as their championship contender.

Rubens Barrichello completed the podium in third for Ferrari, though the Brazilian could only watch as his teammate disappeared into the distance. The result secured Ferrari's fourth consecutive one-three finish and extended their constructor championship lead to a commanding margin. Juan Pablo Montoya finished fourth for Williams-BMW, salvaging decent points after a weekend where the team struggled to match Ferrari's pace on a circuit that should have suited their powerful engine.

Schumacher's Austrian victory was his third in a row and fifth of the season, transforming him from early-season struggler to championship favorite in just six weeks. The German's form looked ominous as Ferrari hit peak performance, their F2003-GA now clearly the car to beat. Räikkönen's championship deficit had grown to eight points despite his second place, while McLaren faced the reality that their early-season advantage had evaporated. The championship was swinging decisively toward Schumacher and Ferrari as the season approached its halfway point.