Michael Schumacher took victory at the European Grand Prix and Felipe Massa took third spot, pushing the Shell powered Ferrari team further up the Championship table.
In a race reminiscent of the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher won, following a fierce battle of strategy and performance with Renault's Fernando Alonso.
'What a brilliant race'. Exclaimed Shell's Technical Manager, Mike Copson. 'A real team effort and a brilliant follow-up to San Marino and the new fuel package which we brought in. It's really contributed to the race-winning strategy here today.'
The weather had been characteristically temperamental in Nürburgring and despite a freak snow flurry at the beginning of the week followed by predictions of hot temperatures, a light wind during qualifying kept the track reasonably cool.
Saturday morning practice had seen the Shell powered Ferrari team set the fastest time and this was the case throughout qualifying, which Schumacher confidently led until Alonso snatched pole in the last few minutes, leaving Schumacher second and Massa third.
After qualifying, Jean Todt commented: 'Shell fuel and lubricants all worked well and this result should allow us to fight as front runners tomorrow.'
All three front runners held their positions as the lights went out. However it was not long before the safety car was deployed in lap one following a collision between Coulthard and Liuzzi, damaging the Toro Rosso's front wing and rear tyre.
Racing resumed after just two laps with the fastest laps alternating between Schumacher and Alonso, until they were able to pull away from the pack.
What was to follow was yet another closely contended fight for the lead and ultimate victory.
The leaders initiated the first series of pit-stops, Renault calling in Alonso one lap prior to Schumacher who eventually re-joined the track just behind the Renault. Pace for each driver was consistent throughout the second stint with Schumacher staying steadily behind the Spaniard.
The second round of pit-stops proved decisive, as Schumacher stayed out longer setting some of the fastest laps and building up an insurmountable lead over the Renault. On exit Schumacher had done enough to take a commanding lead.
Felipe Massa, after having a good start, held position, putting in an excellent performance, once again holding off the competition. Massa crossed the line seconds away from Fernando Alonso's rear wing. Alonso held second place.
The result puts Schumacher in second place in the 2006 Drivers' Championship with 31 points behind Alonso's 44. Ferrari has moved up to second place in the Constructors' Championship after five races with 46 points.
The sixth round in one week is in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix.
