2005 German Grand Prix

Report

The 2005 German Grand Prix was the twelfth race of the 2005 Formula One Season. Kimi Räikkönen qualified first and maintained this position after the start and first pitstops. Meanwhile his teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, starting in last place after failing to complete his qualifying lap, made the most of the first lap by gaining nine positions.

However in lap 35 Räikkönen's car suffered an engine related failure and he had to withdraw from the race, putting Fernando Alonso in first place. Both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello again suffered from the poor durability of their Bridgestone tyres, particularly Schumacher who chose a softer compound. This allowed Jenson Button to overtake Schumacher to take second place, although he quickly pitted, allowing Montoya take gain the position. Montoya then managed to stay ahead of Button after his own second stop. In the last few laps Schumacher's problems allowed Giancarlo Fisichella to take his fourth place.

It was Alonso's sixth win of the season which allowed him to extend his lead by 10 points to 36. Also, Jenson Button received his first podium of 2005.

Jacques Villeneuve had three separate accidents; clashing with Barrichello on lap 1, Robert Doornbos on lap 4 and Tiago Monteiro on lap 27.

Classification

Qualifying

Race

Notes

• Pole position: Kimi Räikkönen 1:14.320
• Fastest lap: Kimi Räikkönen 1:14.873
• Lap Leaders: Kimi Räikkönen 1-35 (35); Fernando Alonso 36-67 (32).
• Juan Pablo Montoya received a 10 position grid penalty for an engine change (having crashed on the final corner of his qualifying lap).
• This was Robert Doornbos' first Grand Prix; the former Jordan third driver replaced Patrick Friesacher in the Minardi-Cosworth after Friesacher's sponsorship money ran out.