Classic Spain- Schumacher's masterclass

Spain is rarely the destination for a classic F1 race, as it’s sweltering heat, tight turns and long straights often make for a processional race.

However, 1996 gave us a taste of the future as a certain Ferrari driver sent out an emphatic message.

The Italian team hadn’t won the world title since 1979, and so called in the highest rated driver of that era to wrestle it back.

Michael Schumacher was a two-time defending champion, and the star of the sport.

He started the season positively with three podiums from the first five races, but it was clear that Damon Hill and Williams would be tough to beat.

However, in Spain the heavens opened and the rain came pouring down. Rain is Schumacher’s speciality.

The German made a poor start from third on the grid, and slipped down the field but he quickly started to make a move.

He got his way up to third before displacing Jean Alesi, and  took the lead with a bullish overtake on Jacques Villeneuve on lap 13.

Schumacher then began to pull away at an incredible rate, and was racing up to two seconds per lap faster than anyone else.

He won by over 45 seconds, and cemented his status as one of the great wet-weather racers of all time.

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