Sunday 13th June 2004

Williams and Toyota were both disqualified from the Canadian Grand Prix an hour after the finish after air ducts which were used to cool the brakes were found to be in contravention of the FIA’s rules. ‘It was a mistake and it was unintentional,” said BMW technical director Sam Michael. “There was no performance gain and no gain for brake cooling because the inlet area was not bigger. However, the duct is not in compliance with the technical regulations, therefore we accept the FIA decision.” The race was won by Michael Schumacher with his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello second, but Ralf Schumacher, who had come third, was replaced on the podium by Jenson Button. “I’m now thinking ‘what have I done to deserve this’,” said a dejected Schumacher. “Breaking a rule is breaking a rule and somebody must be punished for that. I have to accept it, even if it really hurts.”