Giancarlo Fisichella started the race from 13th place the result of a ten-place grid penalty given for an engine change between final practice and qualifying on the Saturday.
Antônio Pizzonia crashed into Juan Pablo Montoya in second position at the time shortly before the finish of the race. The race stewards consequently fined Pizzonia $8,000.
Jacques Villeneuve was able to secure a high position thanks to a one-stop pit strategy while other drivers stopped as many as five times.
On lap 14, Takuma Sato hit Michael Schumacher's car from behind, causing both to crash. The race stewards ruled that Sato had caused the collision and he would consequently drop ten places on the grid for the next Grand Prix.