Briatore snatches Schumacher, sets F1 on fire

©WRI2

On this day in 1991, Michael Schumacher lined up on the Italian Grand Prix grid with Benetton for the second F1 race of his career.

Between Spa, where Schumacher had enjoyed his maiden Grand Prix two weeks earlier with Jordan, and Monza, Benetton's Flavio Briatore had gone to work behind the scenes to mischievously secure the services of the promising young German driver.

The Italian manager simply scrapped  Schumacher's deal with Jordan and then proceeded to do the same with one of his own drivers, Roberto Moreno. Threats of litigation ensued but Briatore had the final word while Jordan was clearly left holding the bag.

As for Michael Schumacher, he continued to set F1 on fire by outqualifying team mate Nelson Piquet, and then out-running the Brazilian on Sunday, clinching a P5 finish and his first championship points.