At BAR, after free practice on Friday, Takuma Sato was struck by a fever, following which the doctors advised him against taking part in the race.

At the start of the second lap, Jenson Button attacked Räikkönen on the start-finish straight and overtook him, but retired immediately afterwards due to engine failure.

During the 23rd lap, Räikkönen, who was in sixth place at the time, suffered a puncture and had to give up all desire to win.

The race ended Ferrari's run of 22 consecutive podium finishes, which started at the 2003 Italian Grand Prix.

The bottom 6 teams in the 2004 Constructors' Championship were entitled to run a third car in free practice on Friday.