Teammate Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia and older brother Michael Schumacher, in a Ferrari, finished second and third, respectively. The two were together at the start of the race and managed to battle back to reach the podium.

For the second time in as many races during the 2002 Formula One season, a first-turn incident went a long way in determining the winner as Ralf Schumacher captured the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit.

Michael Schumacher started from the pole with Montoya second. Michael cut across to stop Montoya from getting past, but Juan Pablo refused to yield and his car made contact with Michael's Ferrari. The incident caused the front wing to come off and Michael dropped down to 11th place when he was forced to go the pits for a replacement.

Montoya also lost position but fought back to fourth place, only to be penalized by the stewards for the opening-lap incident. After the race, he accepted blame for the collision, but Michael Schumacher thought the penalty was too harsh.

"I think we have seen situations far more extreme in the past when nothing has happened," Schumacher said. "We do not have a consistent system of penalties and that is something I would like to see improved in the future."

Here are Juan Pablo's comments on the incident:

"At the start Michael went completely to the right side of the track, which was easily predictable, but when we both came to the first corner I gave him enough room but he had a bit of understeer and touched me, and that was it! It was a bit frustrating because the car was very good and the tires also seemed to be there from the first lap. I think it was unfair to penalize me with the drive through penalty, because in my opinion I did not cause the collision and this was a normal racing accident which was also confirmed by Michael in the media conference. The climb through the field was very exciting, even if I had to do it twice."

It was Ralf Schumacher's first win of the season and fourth of his F1 career.

"The team did a fantastic job," said Ralf Schumacher. "The car was perfect the whole race, especially in the second stint. I can't believe how quick it was today."

Ralf continues:

"This was a wonderful day, everything went simply the perfect way. Of course I had a bit of luck and I could take advantage of the first corner incident. I am sorry for both Juan Pablo and Michael, but sometimes it works like this. Two weeks ago it was Michael to take advantage of my accident. My car was wonderful to drive, especially after the pitstop. Our Michelin tires were great as well and I am happy Juan Pablo and myself achieved the first one-two for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team."

Of the victory, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said:

"This is a sensational result as it is the first one-two victory for BMW engines in the history of Formula One. Even on our way to the championship title in 1983 this did not happen. The drivers and the team were just brilliant today. And of course we are a bit proud of the performance and reliability of our engines in the extreme heat of Malaysia. I want to thank our team in Munich, which I hope is celebrating now as well. The only thing we did not achieve this weekend was pole position so we have something to go for ! Talking seriously, we will work as hard as we can in order to continue on this level."