March
Berger announces he will leave BMW in October; Coulthard wins the Australian GP as Ferrari miss the podium, Barry Sheene dies of cancer; Badoer crashes the Ferrari F2003-GA at Mugello; Alonso is youngest ever pole setter at Malaysian GP; Raikkonen takes maiden F1 win in Malaysia; FIA receive enquiry from would-be German team; FIA delay driver aids ban due to arbitration; Monaco complete circuit modifications.
"I don't think it has ever been so difficult to predict the outcome of a season's opening race. I think the consequences of the rule changes will have a more decisive effect than which team has the fastest car. I genuinely have no idea who will be ahead."
Ralf Schumacher - Williams driver.
"If the car is up to the job, I'm capable of delivering."
David Coulthard - McLaren driver.
"We thought Mika Hakkinen was cool but we didn't know Kimi then. I have no doubt that if the car is up to it, Kimi can get the job done for us."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss.
"We might not be able to beat McLaren, but I tell you that if I had their budget I'd be wanting to win the World Championship, not come third or fourth. It's no secret that our budget would probably only pay the McLaren food bill. And we're only a couple of seconds off the pace, so who is doing the best job?"
Paul Stoddart - Minardi boss.
"I am sure Ferrari won't dominate as much as before and from what I have seen McLaren and Williams will be up there this time, although how close we have yet to see."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
"All these comments that Minardi doesn't belong in Formula One - excuse me, Minardi are the fourth oldest team in Formula One. Have people forgotten that? This is our 19th year."
Paul Stoddart - Minardi boss.
"I think people will be bored very quickly of working out what is going on until 20 laps from the end when the refuelling has worked itself out. If you've all got the same level of fuel then you get overtaking. What the fans want is racing on the track and not work out the strategies - it's just too confusing. Racing happens on the track not on the pit-wall."
David Coulthard - McLaren driver.
"This year the package is better, the car and engine are better than last year."
Giancarlo Fisichella - Jordan driver.
"I definitely am feeling more confident this year. We thought the car was quick during winter testing but you never really know until you get here but now we do know for sure."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"I think it will be a good step and a match for the new Ferrari so we'll be pushing hard on that. In the meantime if we can get results like this we will be delighted."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss, on the MP4-18.
"I'm never going to retire. When you do so you have to take up a hobby and my only hobby is Formula one. I would get bored and probably die if I retired. If I ever get fired I'll just set up something else."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"I think we can win races. The chassis is good enough to win races. If we had the horsepower of the top three teams, we could definitely do that."
Mike Gascoyne - Renault technical director.
"I have ambitions to be a World Champion and to fulfil that I have to sign for a bigger team."
Nick Heidfeld - Sauber driver.
"I was highly, highly disappointed to be blasted by my teammate in the media, [whereas] when coming out of the car he was all smiley and handshakes and everything. I found that a little bit weak - but I guess that's what I have to cope with now, a weak teammate."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver, on Jenson Button.
"I haven't said so much. I've just said the truth. He's always been outspoken about drivers but I don't think so many have answered back ... the things he said, it's just pathetic."
Jenson Button - BAR driver, on Jacques Villeneuve.
"[The new system] is not working. We are going to wait a bit longer and then we are going to change it, yes. They want to transform our sport into a show. Did you see a show today?"
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo, on the new qualifying system.
"If it comes out of the box and is two seconds per lap quicker than the MP4-17D and dead reliable, I'm sure we will find a way of running it at Imola."
Martin Whitmarsh - McLaren's Managing Director, on the MP4-18.
April
Wurz involved in SARS health scare; Pedro de la Rosa signed as McLaren test driver; Raikkonen is declared winner of chaotic Brazilian GP after the race; teams agree to work with GPWC series; Fisichella is handed Brazilian GP win; Sauber sign Jani as test driver; Williams announce Niquitin deal; Schumachers' mother dies in Cologne; Schumacher takes emotional win at Imola; GPWC offer teams to double profits; Ferrari confirm F2003-GA for Spanish GP; McLaren confirm Jaguar approach for Wurz.
"To me Jacques has something to finish in Formula One and he has a few years left."
Craig Pollock - Jacques Villeneuve's manager.
"If everyone keeps the pressure on him he will make mistakes. He has had it easy for the past two years but now we have proved he can be beaten. People make mistakes and they start to crack under pressure."
Juan Pablo Montoya - Williams driver, on Michael Schumacher.
"I never saw the petition and if I had I would not have signed it. What would it bring to Formula One for us not to go and qualify? People would think that we are just a bunch of sissies. We can't do that. We are paid a whole lot of money and it would be an insult to the fans."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"Today saw possibly the first time ever that Minardi was potentially in a genuine, race-winning position. Many people may laugh, but only those of us within the team will ever know the truth."
Paul Stoddart - Minardi boss, after the Brazilian GP.
"I asked many times 'who won the race' so it was magic moment and I am a little bit disappointed because I could have won the race but for the rules."
Giancarlo Fisichella - Jordan driver.
"I am very happy that the FIA and everybody recognises that I won the Brazilian Grand Prix."
Giancarlo Fisichella - Jordan driver.
"As previously indicated, we will only race the MP4-18 when it's faster and at least as reliable as the MP4-17D. As a result, at this time we are not in the position to provide an exact date, it will however be within the next month."
Martin Whitmarsh - McLaren's Managing Director.
"I still suspect that some time between now and 2008 it will be resolved without ever coming to this. But for the moment it is set fair for two championships."
Max Mosley - FIA president.
"No sooner than Canada and no later than Silverstone."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss, on the debut of the MP4-18.
"I don't think it is a great secret that Antonio [Pizzonia]'s position is under review. The level of disparity between his performances and those of his teammate Mark Webber is alarming."
Nav Sidhu - Jaguar's communications director.
"I will remain in Formula One for many years. If there comes a time when I can't keep up with younger drivers then I will probably think it is time to stop. But that is still far away."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
May
FIA say traction control will stay in Formula One in 2004; Canadian Grand Prix loses Air Canada sponsorship; Schumacher gives Ferrari F2003-GA winning debut in Spanish Grand Prix; Jaguar confirm Pizzonia for the rest of the season; engine guru His leave Renault team; Webber re-signs with Jaguar through to 2005; Frank Dernie returns to Williams; Schumacher escapes fire to win Austrian Grand Prix; McLaren unveil the new MP4-18; Renault announce plans to build 'traditional' engine in 2004.
"It's very early in the season and I very much suspect that he'll pull through this one and he'll have a good career in Formula One. I think he deserves it."
Patrick Head - Williams technical director, on Antonio Pizzonia.
"We have to have the new car out as soon as possible. That's the only way I believe we can continue to challenge for the Championship."
David Coulthard - McLaren driver.
"I would just like to wish Eddie all the best in his new job selling houses in Miami. I'm sure he'll be number one at that. I am in F1 and he isn't and the only way he can get in the newspapers is by criticising Schumacher, Barrichello, Button or myself. I wish him luck."
Pedro de la Rosa - McLaren test driver, on Eddie Irvine.
"I wasn't really impressed by the pace of the new Ferrari. It's a step but not a very big step on the pace of their old car. It bodes well for what we hope will be a very good performance for our new car."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss.
"I know I'm safe in the team now, that's official. They came over to me today and said they made a mistake, so we carry on from here and hopefully get better and better each day."
Antonio Pizzonia - Jaguar driver.
"Even Ferrari don't have the money to get Alonso. He is staying with us forever. Well, okay, you can't say forever but he will definitely be here for a few more years."
Flavio Briatore - Renault boss.
"You can't rush the process. It won't race in Monaco, there is a possibility it could go to Canada but it's more likely going to be the Nurburgring."
David Coulthard - McLaren driver, on the MP4-18.
"I think we said a few things that were a bit pathetic really but had to be said. But we're working pretty well together now. We're both very competitive."
Jenson Button - BAR driver, on Jacques Villeneuve.
"I think we were in a fortunate position where the regulation stability allowed us to use last year's car and I think we can race the new car next season. I have no intention of beginning to design a new car until this one is running and I think we will race it at the start of next season."
Adrian Newey - McLaren technical director.
"People told me that it took Ferrari eight to 10 years to get from the depths to the heights so that seems a reasonable time frame to me."
Tony Purnell - Jaguar boss.
"Certainly for me it's been frustrating being this long in the birth, but I think we underestimated the difficulty of manufacturing while racing the existing car and the drain on resources that causes. We hope it's worth the wait, I guess."
Adrian Newey - McLaren technical director.
"I think both Bahrain and China will take place. But I would be surprised if there are more than 17 races."
Max Mosley - FIA president.
June
Button misses the Monaco GP; Montoya gives Williams first Monaco win in 20 years; Raikkonen crashes the MP4-18 in testing; Schumacher renews Ferrari contract until 2006; Ecclestone buys Minardi stake; Schumacher wins Canadian GP; Jordan launch damages claim against Vodafone; Minardi buy Arrows F1 cars; FIA withdraw tobacco sponsorship ban; Williams, BMW extend partnership until 2009; Raikkonen grabs first pole at the European GP; Ralf Schumacher wins European GP.
"I need another good result to have everything in place to finally get to a good team. I am tired of suffering...I want to show what I'm worth. Winning in Brazil I achieved a lifetime dream. Now I want to continue on the same road."
Giancarlo Fisichella - Jordan driver.
"I'd like to see the fastest 10 in qualifying drawn by lottery for the grid. So you would have a different grid for sure and all the guys who are in the top 10 would have a good chance of being on pole."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"I have never seen a more impressive car."
Norbert Haug - Mercedes-Benz boss, on the McLaren MP4-18.
"I love this sport, I do, and I feel extremely comfortable at Ferrari. It was therefore almost something to be taken for granted that I would extend my contract to the end of the 2006 season."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
"I'd be surprised if he sees 2006 in Formula One. When drivers are that good it is usually they who decide when to stop, not the team. These guys have a great ability to know when to call it a day and retire with an aura of greatness around them. I think he'll be like that."
Eddie Jordan - Jordan boss, on Michael Schumacher.
"I think you won't see it before Silverstone now."
David Coulthard - McLaren driver, on the MP4-18.
"If he can't stand the heat then get out of the bloody kitchen. You are damaging Formula One by your actions. We do not have a soup kitchen in Formula One. You are not entitled to any of this money."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss, to Paul Stoddart.
"Frankly, I was trying to push them (Minardi) not to race this year. He (Paul Stoddart) shouldn't be in Formula One, that's the truth. You see the sort of money he's talking about and you see the sort of money, the budgets that are needed, $300-400 million and he's saying he needs 10 million to finish the season."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"The deal has been done on a handshake and with Bernie, that's good enough for me. I welcome my new shareholder with open arms."
Paul Stoddart - Minardi boss.
"I am very confident he is going to be in Formula One next year. I think it would be the greatest shame for Formula One to lose a personality such as Jacques."
Craig Pollock - Jacques Villeneuve's manager.
"I would pay to drive for Ferrari."
Giancarlo Fisichella - Jordan driver.
"If I do the maximum all weekends and if one day the victory is coming it will be a surprise, but I think it will not be possible this season or maybe even next season."
Fernando Alonso - Renault driver.
"There are a lot of discussions (on my future) but right now nothing that looks too positive."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"I got a bit of criticism but, you see, even a bad driver can win a race. It's down to the experts, those who call themselves experts after the race."
Ralf Schumacher - Williams driver.
July
Jean Todt marks 10 years at Ferrari; BAR cars impounded at Magny-Cours; Minardi threaten rivals with disqualification in Britain; Ralf Schumacher wins the French Grand Prix; Williams announce Budweiser deal; Fisichella admits to talks with Sauber; New McLaren fails crash test for second time; Barrichello wins Action-Packed British Grand Prix; Wilson replaces Pizzonia at Jaguar; Kiesa takes Wilson's seat at Minardi; Minardi sign Italian Bruni as test driver.
"You don't make a contract until 2006 if you don't want to drive. There's no sense to keep a driver in your team if he doesn't want to drive anymore. You can't put a pistol to them to make them drive so it's bullshit to think we make a contract in 2006 and we will not drive."
Willi Weber - Michael Schumacher's manager.
"The media, whenever Ferrari doesn't win, immediately talks about Ferrari crisis. Crisis was maybe five or six years ago, when we didn't win championships for so long, but we won four races this year, we're leading the championship. We know we have been a little bit behind in the last two races."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
"Our target was and still is to have it as a raceable option for Silverstone. But it's almost certain it will not race in Silverstone. That doesn't detract from our objective."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss, on the MP4-18.
"I raced in the first British Grand Prix and I don't have any sentiment about anything. If they don't match up they should not be on the calendar. I'm ashamed, that's all, of the British Grand Prix. Simple."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"Maybe if David did move it would be good for him. He feels too comfortable at McLaren. That would shake him up. David has good talent, he works hard. He just needs the motivation. A change might give him that."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo, on David Coulthard.
"Justin has done enough to guarantee to be in Formula One next year. "I hold his contract and I will definitely have him next year if we have not moved him on to another team."
Paul Stoddart - Minardi boss, on Justin Wilson.
"I think it will race. We are saying now with the self-imposed testing ban that it's not appropriate to introduce it before Italy. We've got a test at the end of the ban in Monza and we'll be taking the car there. We're doing a fair amount of work on the car in the intervening period and that's got to be our goal - to be racing it in Italy."
Norbert Haug - Mercedes motorsport boss, on the MP4-18.
"Standing here right now, we are not considering Mike Gascoyne. If he was available we would but he has about two years to go on his contract with Renault."
Over Andersson - Toyota boss.
"If I tell you I never saw him, would you believe it? It's the second time that I win with someone on the racetrack. They're going to say he's Brazilian for sure."
Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari driver, on the Silverstone track intruder.
"The sudden decision by Jaguar not to let me continue as a full time Formula One driver for the team came as a complete shock to me."
Antonio Pizzonia - Jaguar driver.
"Fisichella is down. I am down. We are all down. But in the big world there is not any other option but to keep on going and try to find solutions to the problem. He needs to just buy into the fact that we need him to help our guys."
Gary Anderson - Jordan's head of test and race engineering.
"It was from quite early on that they (McLaren) were speaking with Kimi so it didn't come as a surprise to me when they signed Kimi. But I still don't understand why they went for him over me. Kimi is doing a good job now, as well as he did at Sauber but we've been in the same team in the same year and I was quicker than him in qualifying and also in the race."
Nick Heidfeld - Sauber driver.
"Jordan is probably the strongest option at the moment. The aim is to stay one more year in a smaller team and target 2005 when the top seats open up."
Enrico Zanarini - Giancarlo Fisichella's manager.
"I am totally surprised there has been no speculation how easy Kimi was able to overtake David as the situation for me was very clear and very normal. If the same would have happened with Ferrari there would have been a big casino, a big story about it, yet it has happened with McLaren but nobody has talked about it."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
August
Jordan try to drop high court action against Vodafone; minister says Belgium wins back F1 Grand Prix; McLaren say MP4-18 unlikely to race in 2003; Montoya takes dominant win at the German GP; judge slams Jordan for 'unsustainable' claim; Ecclestone confirms Canadian GP axe in prank call; Max Mosley's mother dies at 93; Renault announce unchanged line-up for 2004; legendary engineer Tony Rudd passes away; McLaren confirm Coulthard, Raikkonen for 2004; Baumgartner replaces Firman at Jordan for Hungarian GP; Fisichella signs for Sauber for 2004; Alonso becomes youngest winner ever in Hungary; Turkey announce a seven-year F1 contract.
"We have dropped the case. The team is not in jeopardy. We've walked away and don't want anything more to do with it. We're going to get on with the business of motor racing. That's what we're here for and there's nothing more to say."
Ian Phillips, Jordan's director of business affairs, on their legal case against Vodafone.
"We've got a full test after Hungary - a comprehensive test with four cars, most likely two in Monza and two in Barcelona - and we'll make the choice after that. But it's leaning more and more towards continuing with the MP4-17D."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss.
"I regret to say that I found Mr Jordan to be a wholly unsatisfactory witness. His evidence was in many instances in stark conflict with, and indeed belied by, the documents - often documents of his own making. On occasions even Mr Jordan was unable to offer an explanation and was reduced to embarrassed silence by the exposure of blatant inaccuracies in what he was saying."
Justice Langley - British judge.
"Now is the time to forget about it, learn from our mistakes and concentrate on the team because the team has suffered as a result of this court case. I really thought I had a very solid case. The judge obviously didn't concur with that and was quite scathing about our side."
Eddie Jordan - Jordan boss.
"It is not my style to think that the World Champion is always the best driver. That is why I don't think Michael is the best and in a class of his own just because he has won five World Championships. He is just another driver - nothing else."
Kimi Raikkonen - McLaren driver.
"This was a disaster race for Ferrari. It is impressive how they have gone backwards. Now they are so bad it's unbelievable. They have been dominating the last three years, nobody could get near them and now they get lapped."
Niki Lauda - former World Champion.
"We are focused on improving the performance of the current car and engine package at Monza and we are confident we'll be making a step there. We have an upgrade to the 17D that is clearly designed to enhance that car's competitiveness. We'll be testing it at Jerez and it's true to say we are concentrating our efforts on the 17D."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss.
September
Burti returns to assist Ferrari; Townsend Bell gets first taste of F1; Williams sign Asmer as test driver; Ferrari warn they could protest past races over tyre row; Wirdheim makes F1 debut with Jordan at Monza; China and Bahrain are confirmed for 2004; Firman ruled out of Italian GP; Ralf pulls out of Italian GP, Gene replaces him; Schumacher scores 50th win with Ferrari at Monza; Renault drop McNish for Montagny for 2004; Schumacher Wins the US GP; Heidfeld confirms Sauber exit.
"There is an argument which suggests I might be better off flogging off a good chunk of the business to a manufacturer. I have to face up to reality soon and ask if that is the best way or not. I could have done it in 1997 and sold out to Honda but I felt I would have been letting a lot of people down. But I'm open to speaking to a major car manufacturer about participation."
Eddie Jordan - Jordan boss.
"The FIA only strengthened the rule which is rather clear: the contact patch must not be over 27 centimeters. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to set limits, would it? Bridgestone has followed the rules and we have constantly been under the limit. To put it in a nice way, let's say that our competitors so far have not fully understood the rule."
Ross Brawn - Ferrari technical director.
"We are evaluating what is happening and what will happen in the future of Formula One. We don't consider ourselves prisoners of having to race in Formula One at all costs and under any conditions. For now, there is every intention to stay as we have been since 1950, when the Formula One World Championship began. But this is without the obligation of having to stay at all costs."
Luca di Montezemolo - Ferrari president.
"The FIA have changed their interpretation and will now measure front tyres when old as well as new. It is important to clarify that Michelin tyres have never been illegal."
Sam Michael - Williams chief operations engineer.
"What do you think would have happened if the Bridgestone tyres on a Ferrari were too wide? Do you think they would have kept quiet? They would have crucified us. They would have accused us of cheating. Our opponents would have demanded we be disqualified for all the races it could be proven we had used illegal tyres."
Jean Todt - Ferrari boss.
"There is no inkling of an offer coming from anywhere and there hasn't been an offer from BAR either. No decision has been officially taken by the team and it doesn't look too good but that doesn't mean it is finished. I guess it depends on who wins the battle but there is a big push for Sato coming from Honda."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"We have all told him [Villeneuve] it will take significant changes to convince us he is the driver we need. We are not trying to sanitise the guy but he has to face up to the responsibilities of being a lead driver in a top F1 team."
David Richards - BAR boss.
"Formula One is supposed to be a sport. I have never worked so hard in my life. If my attitude is a problem then there is no attitude change that could convince David."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"They just want machines to drive other machines - it is easier than having a deal with a driver that has personality. Formula One is looking for these 'image' youngsters and every time they speak about a new Senna or a new Prost. But then just look at what happens to the miracle young drivers - they just become machines."
Jacques Villeneuve - BAR driver.
"As far as we are concerned, Jacques will be racing in Japan. As for next year, I don't think anything will be announced until the end of the season."
BAR spokeswoman.
"I am not thinking at all about retiring. I think it will be time for me to go when someone will beat me in a very clear and undisputed way."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
"I think there is more pressure on (Schumacher)...Kimi and I are just young kids, at the beginning of our careers and trying to beat Michael as hard as we can. I'm not going to say Michael will retire next year but he has been here for a long time and before he retires he will want to stay on top."
Juan Pablo Montoya - Williams driver.
October
Teams agree on one qualifying session in 2004; Pollock confirms Villeneuve's exit from BAR; BAR confirm Sato for 2004;
Villeneuve pulls out of the Japanese GP; Sauber confirm Massa for 2004; Irish investors buy Jordan stake; BAR announce intention to switch from Bridgestone to Michelin; Barrichello wins the Japanese GP; Schumacher takes record-breaking sixth title; Gascoyne is confirmed at Toyota; Canada back on 2004 F1 calendar.
"People want characters and you have to look at guys like Jacques Villeneuve and Eddie Irvine who tell it like it is. That's what we want. All this business is a joke when they get out of the car and thank their grandmother, their aunt, their tyre company, the fuel company, the sponsor, my uncle, where he went to school. It's all crap. They don't want to thank anybody."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"Jacques never wavered, and his loyalty to British American Racing was constant. He had other opportunities, and no one would have blamed him for going elsewhere, but he preferred to see this project through despite a car that did not live up to its expectations. Our primary emotions right now are sadness and disappointment."
Craig Pollock - Jacques Villeneuve's manager.
"I did everything possible to talk teams into giving Jacques a drive for next season but the truth is no one wants him. I even suggested he should go to Ferrari and drive alongside Michael Schumacher for free. But it didn't come off because Michael insists on No. 1 status, which shows he must still consider Jacques a threat."
Bernie Ecclestone - Formula One supremo.
"It was my idea to have the points changed because I felt it would give teams such as Minardi a better chance of seeing their efforts rewarded. I thought it was a good proposal and a fairer and better way of distributing the points. I was delighted when it was accepted but now I feel pretty sick. It has cost us a bucket full of dosh so I think I'll keep my clever ideas to myself in the future."
Eddie Jordan - Jordan boss.
"Next year's car will be the 19 and it will run by the end of this year. The first chassis is in car build already."
Ron Dennis - McLaren boss.
"It has been a tough year, a tough late stage to the season and a very tough race. Probably one of my toughest. The feeling hasn't sunk in yet. I am empty and exhausted and just proud of what I have achieved."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
"Well, I think I have one of the toughest jobs, not because I am here sitting in front of the television or the journalists but sometimes just being a teammate to Michael makes life difficult, what people write or say."
Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari driver.
"I am not trying to compare myself to Fangio. You cannot compare someone like Fangio with the present day. Fangio is on a level much higher than I see myself. There is absolutely no comparison. What he did stands alone and what we have achieved is also unique. I have such respect for what he achieved."
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari driver.
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