San Marino GP - have your say... the response.

The San Marino Grand Prix at the weekend may not have been a classic, but the composure of both Michael and Ralf Schumacher following the death of their mother can only be commended. Here, in your responses, many of you do just that...

''First, I would like to say that my heart goes out to the Schumachers. I lost my father two weeks ago. I was really impressed with their total professionalism.

''I do not believe that Ferrari taking the win at Imola spells the end for McLaren's title hopes (although, as a Schumacher/Ferrari fan, I would like to hope so). Realistically, there are twelve races left and, as we have seen so far, anything can happen.

''I think the fact that crowds were down this year indicates that fans may not be pleased with the changes that prevent the best team/driver/car from winning. I was quite relieved that we had none of the wreckage from the previous race. The low rate of such incidences was one of the things I particularly enjoyed last season.''

Carole Mayo (41) - USA.

''Ferrari has once again showed their true dominance, their true speed and reliability. Most importantly, no positive words can express or describe how Michael raced like a true a champion in front of all his fans and won the Imola Grand Prix, despite the death of his beloved mother. To see him on the podium composed is most touching, we are proud of you. Rubens could have been second if not for slower pit-stop. The upcoming races will certainly be more interesting to watch.''

Ryan Marcelo (26) - Filipino.

''It was a very hard GP for the Schumacher brothers, but I think that they showed us that they can race under this hard pressure and all the negative reactions from all the press! If they had stopped after a few laps or not, it was even hard for them to start the race at all, and I appreciate that very much. And that Michael Schumacher was on the podium after the race shows that he is a great driver and personality.''

Ralf Gerads (23) - Netherlands.

''It was wonderful to see a hard driven race in the dry, and the plaudits must go to the Schumacher brothers whose decision to race must have caused them a great deal of heartache. And what a great performance it turned out to be.

''Ferrari's three-stop strategy worked, but I found it intriguing they should try that. I wondered if they had worries about tyre and/or brake wear, but they were nevertheless very strong throughout, despite Ruben's unfortunately long stop. The encouraging thing is that McLaren look very strong after a poor show last year, and had David nailed that qualifying lap, he would have been further up.

''I was also extremely impressed with Jenson Button's pace and drive.''

Padraig Floyd - London, UK.

''Its great to see Ferrari win, especially with the F2002, which I feel is one of the best race cars ever produced. McLaren is one of the strongest teams in F1, so they will always be at or near the front, and Ferrari knows this. Williams may be the team that should be worried, their car is fast, but seems to lose steam as the race progresses, and when the new Ferrari and McLaren emerge, it could be curtains, for a while anyway.

''Imola was a good race and I enjoyed it, especially after the carnage of Brazil. I hope they don't bounce Imola. Soon there will be no older tracks left. I'd like to give my regrets to the Schumacher brothers, they both did an outstanding race in the worst of circumstances, and my prayers are with them during this trying time.''

Armand DeGenova (41) - USA.

''The San Marino Grand Prix was a great race, especially when compared to the mess in Brazil! I personally prefer races that are decided by tactics, skill, and teamwork, rather than weather conditions. I think most knowledgeable F1 fans hadn't nailed the coffin closed on Ferrari with only three races complete. I also think that even the most ardent Michael Schumacher haters had to appreciate the mental fortitude he displayed to pull off a perfect race (with the help of an awesome team, of course), given the circumstances - my sympathies to him, Ralf, and their families. Team Ferrari conducted a near-perfect race with Rubens suffering from its only mistake - denying Rubens and Ferrari fanatics like me of a perfect 1-2 finish. Alas...

''I think the FIA has made two questionable rule changes this season. The qualifying rules have made the fight for pole position almost meaningless (despite Schumacher winning from the pole at Imola) and I think this why attendance is down for the Friday and Saturday sessions. The other change is, of course, the new regulations with respect to tyres. As F1 is intended to represent the highest form of motorsport, the teams should be able to do whatever it takes to give their drivers the edge, regardless of track conditions. Maybe the race (I use the term 'race' loosely) in Brazil would have been complete with more cars on the track than off.

''As an admitted Ferrari fan, I look forward to the F2003-GA. It must be a quicker machine or they wouldn't be working so hard to stabilize its reliability. Race reliability is the key to maximizing points this season. You've got to finish every race in the points - so a faster car with questionable 'legs' isn't much of an advantage. I'm sure Jean Todt and Ross Brawn understand this better than anyone!''

Tim Ramey (41) - USA.

''One of the things that I hope San Marino GP showed is how ridiculous was the notion that Michael cracks under pressure, as expressed by some of the drivers. Michael didn't win five titles because he cracks, and having just lost his mother few hours before his win just shows how extraordinary person and driver he is.

''Ferrari's win also shows that it was a bit premature to write this team off, they are still competitive and they are still a team to beat. The new scoring system will make it more difficult for them to claim top spot, which should make for an interesting season for the fans.

''As for the circuit itself, in it's current form, Imola does not belong on F1 calendar, as it practically does not allow for overtaking. One can hope that planned changes will be implemented and the circuit will stay on the calendar in the future.''

Robert Keller (37) - Poland.

''Minus the weather, looks like business as usual, the best cars come in first, the second best and third best follow suit with the odd team in division two mixing it with front runners (usually due to errors from front runners). Hmmm... ...strangely familiar!

''The only problem for me is we no longer know who the fastest drivers are, what's the point in banning team orders to 'protect' the drivers championship if they won't let the drivers drive. The best drivers used to prove it on Friday/Saturday, then the best car wins regardless - but at least the talent was seen allowing them to earn a opportunity to drive the best cars. All the FIA has done is eliminate knowing who the best drivers are. Note to F1 drivers: if you drive for a crap team, don't expect a long career, we'll never see your true potential, better to learn how to kiss Frank, Ron and Jean's 'rear wing', this will be the same as going one second faster than your team-mates!

''For many (myself included) qualifying was the best bit last year, it was a race in itself and showcased the drivers' abilities - with this madness about fuel in qualifying, there's not much point to Friday and Saturday, the weekend is extremely boring and the race frankly looks the same as before - might as well just turn up half hour before the race. If the FIA want to save money, scrap this boring stuff and just do Sundays. Otherwise, fix the weekend and make it fun again.

''I can say for certain that if the other teams underperform this year (and they will), viewers will turn away because there's nothing else to watch in F1 that might even be remotely exciting, certainly not qualifying.

''Max Mosley, you are kidding yourself if you believe the general public prefer the race more interesting at the expense of qualifying - the fact is the races were never that great even before Ferrari won everything, it was the whole event that made it great and you just nailed the last but one nail into the coffin. Roll on rival series!!!!!!!!!!! And for crying out loud F1 drivers, get a spine and say something - don't leave it all to Jacques Villeneuve!''

Tim Mehmet (32) - Britain.

''I think this was an exciting race. It was very interesting, with a lot of clear and honourable driver-to-driver fights. I am a great Ferrari and Michael Schumacher fan since 1996 and I have always enjoyed races when they manage to win over such strong competition (the previous two years such competition was almost absent).''

Vladimir Zlatev (20) - Bulgaria.

''I think things are on track. The rule changes are partly responsible for the mix we see in points, even if indirectly.

''Ferrari will have a tough time fighting back into the lead, even with the new car because, as we just saw, Michael Schumacher gained only two points on the leader. McLaren have a new car in the wings as well and I believe there is a lot of racing before it is over.

''Williams new car was on par for performance as well. Renault is doing well and certainly not out of it at this point. Life is neither a spectator sport, nor a dress rehearsal - grace to you.''

David Ellis.

''Well, as we saw, the weather played more role in the first three races then the rules ever did. Ferrari really were only off the pace at Malaysia where the Michelin tyres enjoyed high temp. But I suspected this was just like last year once the F2003-GA arrives the rest of the field won't have a prayer.

''The F2002 is changed little from last year and still edges out McLaren's heavily modified MP4-17D. If it's reliable Ferrari will be caught up to McLaren by Canada and that all depends if the MP4-18 is reliable and faster by then which I doubt based on the short time to break it in. If McLaren manages to get the new car ready for Canada then I expect it's because the MP4-17D shares a lot of carry over parts, which would explain McLaren's confidence the new car will meet such an aggressive debut. But that means that perhaps it won't be as fast as the new Ferrari.

''Michael is superman, even people who hate him are showing respect for what he did Sunday. I only wish there were more tifosi in the stands to cheer on the team. Which leads me to Imola... AXE IT! What happened to the proposed changes last year to remove some chicanes? I saw three passes that weren't because of blue flags, all down to a track that makes it so difficult to pass. Even Hungary and Monaco have made changes this year - and they were just as bad if not worse. The track owners should not be surprised if it gets axed in 2004. Any track that prevents passing should be axed, especially if no measures are taken to improve the conditions. Tradition or not, it remains one of the most boring races on the F1 calendar.''

John Tuccitto (24) - Markham, Ontario, Canada.

''I used to be a big F1 fan up until a couple of years ago. The reason I stopped watching it was because it put me to sleep: same old thing, race after race - no excitement. They needed to make rule changes. I believe ALL the cars should be equal and let the drivers fight it out with their driving ability. That said I have watched all races thus far. I think it is better with these changes but they need to go even further if they want to capture the American audience.

''I know F1 fans are not NASCAR fans, but you have to seriously look at how NASCAR runs their series. It's all about the drivers as it should be. Is Michael Schumacher the best GP driver in the world? Yes, but not by as much as everyone seems to think. He has plenty of competition in F1. I will continue to watch as long as they make it worth watching. The race Sunday was not too bad. Kimi is most definitely a force that will have to be reckoned with. I like to see competition, that's what it's all about. That's what makes you turn on the TV to watch it.''

Rich Siagel (47) - USA.

''I think that in the first three races, Ferrari suffered some 'bad luck', but the main problems were caused by poor judgment by the drivers and support team. I think that, at San Marino, they took a more conservative approach and were more patient.

''The new car may help but at the risk of retirements due to problems which will only be found under race conditions.

''McLaren is not going to go away, nor will Williams and Renault. The competition is stronger this year and the championship will go down to the wire with no team dominating.''

John Cummings (56) - USA.

''Although San Marino was a reasonable race to watch, it most certainly raises a few questions as to the relative competitiveness of Ferrari versus the rest of the field. That MS was able to pull out between 0.2 and 0.3sec per sector time with last year's car when in free air suggests that we could be in for a near repeat of last year when the new car is launched.

''The great unknown in all this is tyres. It appeared that the Michelin's were far too hard for the conditions as it was clear that most found it unnecessary to change at each pit-stop. Hopefully, Michelin will sharpen their pencils for the next race.

''The fact that Italy has two GP's seems to me to be more than a little unfair. If the Italians wish to see a second GP they have only to zip across to Monaco, France or Germany. After Ayrton Senna's death and the proceeding nonsense regarding Williams repeated appearances in court, isn't it about time that this race was dropped? What's more, the fact that they seem unable to stop the crown invasion after the GP and the odd derelict building around the track suggests that San Marino should be axed.''

Colin Hare (38) - USA.

''I believe McLaren will compete with Ferrari for the remainder of the season. They will have their new car soon and currently lead in all point categories. Kimi is terrific. Williams may or may not be able to compete for the front of the grid. I hope they can before the end of the season. I am disappointed in Toyota and BAR so far this year. I feel the competition will be better than last year. I hope the drivers' title will be settled at the US GP so I can see the final result live.''

Ray Giacomino (55) - USA.

''Imola was a bore after the opening three races. This is another track that needs a serious facelift to provide some passing. F1 ever think of racing at Road America?

''Anyway, I was happy to see MS win after suffering the loss of his mother, he showed great strength. I really don't think McLaren should panic by any means though, if Kimi/DC can remain consistent the pressure falls on Ferrari. It is still early in the season, so really it is still wide open for both championships.

''PS. Alonso should have some action taken against him from Brazil. He was basically at full speed when he came around the last corner. He red flagged the race and gets third! His stupidity cost a few drivers like DC. At least Fisi won in the end.''

Tom Burke (34) - USA.

Crash.net would like to thank all those people that replied to our ''...have your say'' story as without them this article would not be possible.

Crash.net would also like to reassure people that those replying to us via our views@crash.net email will NOT have their details passed on to any third party or added to any mailing list.