San Marino Grand Prix 2006 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher delivered a masterful performance at the San Marino Grand Prix to claim his first victory of 2006, controlling the race from pole position at Ferrari's home circuit of Imola to announce his championship challenge in emphatic fashion. The seven-time World Champion's commanding drive ended Fernando Alonso's perfect start to the season and demonstrated that Ferrari had found the pace to challenge Renault, while the passionate Italian tifosi celebrated wildly as their hero reduced the championship deficit.

Starting from pole with a stunning lap of 1:22.795, Schumacher dominated the race weekend from start to finish at the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The German maestro controlled proceedings with the clinical precision that had defined his career, managing his pace expertly while keeping Alonso at a comfortable distance throughout. The Ferrari F248 showed excellent race pace on Bridgestone tires, finally demonstrating the competitiveness that had been lacking in 2005. Schumacher's victory on Ferrari soil, in what would be his final San Marino Grand Prix, was deeply emotional for the team and their devoted fans.

Alonso drove a strong race to limit the championship damage, finishing second and setting the fastest lap to earn Renault valuable constructor points. The Spaniard pushed hard throughout but couldn't match Schumacher's pace on this occasion, accepting second place while maintaining a 16-point championship lead. Juan Pablo Montoya secured his first podium of the season for McLaren-Mercedes in third place, showing flashes of the speed that had made him a race winner. The Colombian's performance demonstrated McLaren's improving form, though reliability issues would plague their season. Schumacher's victory ignited his championship campaign and established the Ferrari-Renault battle that would define the year.