On This Day: Schumacher's most emotional win

Michael Schumacher secured perhaps his most emotional Formula 1 victory at the San Marino Grand Prix on this day 15 years ago. The iconic star won for Ferrari in Imola the day after his mother died in a sombre, yet steely reminder of his talents.

Michael and his brother Ralf incredibly occupied the front row of the grid after impressive Saturday showings, but they immediately flew to Cologne to be with their ill mother Elisabeth, in a coma after a fall at home.

Elisabeth passed away that night at the age of 55, with both of her sons returning to Imola to do what they did best, race.

The Schumacher brothers' talents had been honed at the karting track owned by their parents in Kerpen, just outside Cologne - providing the foundations from which the greatest grand prix driver of all time would grow.

The F1 titan had entered this weekend under pressure, without a win in the opening three races of the campaign as McLaren appeared to have stolen a march on a Scuderia side yet to introduce their new car to competitive action.

Ralf Schumacher wore a helmet adorned with a black stripe, with armbands the accessory of choice up and down pit-lane.

The younger brother made the better getaway, overtaking Michael off the line, but his challenge would fade due to a gearbox issue.

Instead it was Michael who took up the challenge against championship leader Kimi Raikkonen.

Track position, and a tardy McLaren stop, helped Schumacher stay ahead of the Finn and secure a first win of the season, which he barely celebrated. Champagne was not sprayed, and the reigning champion was spared post-race media duties.

Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt said: "It was very difficult for Michael today and he did a job because he felt he wanted to do the job.

"He did fantastic work for the team. On top of what he does as a driver it is important he has shown what he is as a man."

Though this win came amid a solemn background, the Scuderia would party again before the year was out.

Ferrari introduced their F2003-GA model at the following race in Spain, which Schumacher won.

He added a further four victories over the remainder of the year to pip Raikkonen by two points and secure his sixth world championship - overtaking Juan Manuel Fangio as the most-decorated grand prix driver of all-time.