news:  Formula 1
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28th March 2003:   Rubens Barrichello finally gets behind the wheel of the new Ferrari F2003-GA
 
Michael Schumacher at the wheel of the new Ferrari F2003-GA earlier in the Barcelona testYesterday was the third day of testing this week for Ferrari at the Catalunya circuit, near Barcelona, while for Rubens Barrichello it was his first chance to try the new F2003-GA.

While Michael Schumacher concentrated on an intensive tyre test programme, at the wheel of an F2002, covering a total of 98 laps, with the quickest being 1’17”794, Rubens Barrichello had his first stint behind the wheel of the F2003-GA. The Brazilian driver began by working on car set-up, before tackling a long run in the afternoon, which was completed successfully. Barrichello completed a total of 85 laps, setting a best time of 1’17”335. 

“The first test with the new car went very well,” declared Rubens. “Today I also tried a new system to attach the HANS device to my chest, using a double safety harness arrangement. I reckon we have made a major improvement and everything will be fine for Interlagos.” 
23rd March 2003:   Minardi Rookie Justin Wilson rushed to hospital with trapped nerve during Malaysian Grand Prix
 
Justin Wilson at the Malaysian Grand Prix, click here for Minardi's race reportThe Malaysian Grand Prix for European Minardi Cosworth began dramatically, when Jos Verstappen was forced to pit at the end of the first lap to have a new rear wing assembly fitted after his car was hit in a first lap incident.   The hard-charging Dutchman rejoined the race a lap down and then set some very competitive lap times, particularly in the stint up to the first of his two scheduled pit stops.  He drove a gritty race and eventually took the chequered flag in 13th place. 

Team mate, Justin Wilson, made another impressive start, and had rocketed up to seventh place by the third lap.  He was subsequently overtaken by one or two quicker cars, but held a solid 10th place until his first stop for fuel and tyres, on lap 13.  His quick pace then continued through to the second stop, on lap 36.  Unfortunately, however, he was forced to withdraw from the race on lap 43, suffering from severe shoulder pain.  Notably, both Minardis today carried the slogan “Malaysia for Peace” on their sidepods, a reflection of the “special relationship” the team enjoys with this important Southeast Asian country. 
23rd March 2003:  second place for Barrichello at Malaysian Grand Prix as Schumacher slips up again
 
michael Schumacher on his way to six place in Malaysia, click here for race report & resultsMichael Schumacher threw away the chance to gain maxium points at the Malaysian Grand Prix this morning. Starting from the second row he ran into the back of Jarno Trulli while trying to squeeze through a non-existent gap into the second turn, resulting in a trip to the pits for a new nosecone and an ensuing drive through penalty. He eventually recovered to snatch three points for sixth place by passing Jenson Button's BAR-Honda on the final lap.

Meanwhile Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello had a steady run to second place in an afternoon when the Bridgestones were no match for eventual winner Kimi Raikkonen's Michelins. It was the young Finn's first ever Grand Prix victory and joining him and Barrichello on the podium also for the first time was pole winner Fernando Alonso who overcame illness and gearbox problems in his Renault.
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