Despite the recent terrorist attacks on the United States that had but doubt on the event, the Formula One circus moves to Indianapolis this weekend (September 29/30th). German Michael Schumacher wrapped up this year's driver's title with a win at Hungary last month and at the same time sealed victory in the constructor's championship for the Prancing Horse of Ferrari.

The Italian team, under the management of Luca de Montezemolo will now be focussing on Schumacher's team-mate, Rubens Barrichello's push for second in the standings. The Brazilian is currently three points behind McLaren's David Coulthard but six ahead of Michael's brother Ralf. In the last round, the Italian Grand prix at Monza, it was the younger Schumacher's team-mate, the highly rated Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya who was the star of the show in the Williams. After starting from Pole position, race victory was assured with Barrichello suffering a fuel-rig problem during his first pit-stop. Montoya took the win from Barrichello, who had surged past Ralf Schumacher for second, seven laps from the end.

The battle for honours in the constructor's championship continues in the US - the McLaren team hold second position by eight points over the increasingly competitive Williams team; but neither can catch the all conquering Ferraris. Mclaren will be hoping for better luck at Indianapolis, after neither car finished the last round. Indeed, it has been a trying year for the team, and especially former world champion Mika Hakkinen whose poor performances have resulted in the Finn deciding to take a year out from the sport in 2002. He will be replaced by fellow countryman Kimi Raikonnen, currently with the Swiss Sauber team that is looking to hold onto fourth in the standings, but are under pressure from BAR, Jordan and Benetton.