Imola, Italy ? World champion Michael Schumacher led a 1-2 Ferrari finish Sunday to win the San Marino Grand Prix for his third victory in four races this season.

The German beat Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello by 17.9 seconds on Ferrari’s home circuit for the 56th victory of his career.

Ralf Schumacher, Michael’s younger brother, was third in a Williams BMW, 19.7 seconds behind the winner.

Michael Schumacher started from the pole and gradually increased his lead, his anticipated duel with Juan Montoya never materializing.

The Colombian driver for Williams BMW failed to draw close to the world champion and finished fourth, 44.7 seconds behind.

Schumacher won for the fourth time at Imola, giving him 34 points in the championship standings. He is 14 ahead of his brother, who is in second place.

Schumacher and Barrichello embraced and kissed each other. Fans wearing red caps and playing trumpets cheered as the two stepped on the podium.

This was the first Ferrari 1-2 finish this season. Both drivers used the new F2202 model.

“It was wonderful to place second here,” Barrichello said. “The F2002 is a wonderful car.”

Schumacher lapped all but four drivers, completing the 62 laps in 1 hour, 29 minutes, 10.789 seconds. Only 11 cars finished.

Schumacher became the Ferrari driver with the most Grand Prix starts  97, according to his team.

Ralf Schumacher had a good start from the second row, overtaking Barrichello but slipping to third.