Austrian GP McLaren race notes

AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX 1998 - RACE DAY

Chassis Numbers: David Coulthard MP4 - 13 04 Mika Hakkinen MP4 - 13 06 T Car MP4 - 13 03

The fourth one - two victory, the sixth win for the West McLaren Mercedes team and Mika Hakkinen's fifth success of the season brought smiles to the faces of both drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard as well as the team. A wet qualifying, which saw neither driver on the front row of the grid for the first time this year, meant the result of today's race was particularly good. Despite the fact that David was embroiled in a first lap incident which potentially could have ruined his race, he went on to put in an exceptional drive. And Mika's storming start meant that he led the race >from the first corner to the chequered flag.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'The team played a very important part in this excellent victory, the one stop strategy was ideal for me and I was able to go flat out all the time and that was fantastic. The start is always a gamble but I was able to make the best of it. However, my brake balance wasn't too good at the beginning of the race and I wasn't able to brake as late as I would have liked into the corners which meant that Michael Schumacher was catching me. But once I found a more consistent balance with the brakes and the tyres I was able to charge and the gap started to open up. David's storming performance through the pack made me a bit nervous but I am just glad that we both made it to the podium.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'It's great to be back on the podium especially as I had such a bad qualifying session yesterday which put me so far back on the grid. The incident on the first corner was a bit frustrating as I just wanted to keep out of trouble, but I was fortunate that the safety car came out which meant I was able to come in and change my front wing and rejoin at the back of the pack from the pit lane. From there I was able to work my way through the field and I have to say that all the other drivers were 100% fair when I overtook them. Naturally it is great to finished second and I enjoyed the race.

RON DENNIS 'An incredible race for David perhaps his best. The opening laps for Mika were interesting. Our one stop strategy worked and allowed us to comfortably control the race after the initial pressure from Schumacher. Above all else I am pleased for everybody in the team whom have all worked extremely hard to produce this kind of result.'

NORBERT HAUG 'A great race. Our tyres were excellent, our team worked perfectly and our drivers were super. Its fantastic that we go to Hockenheim as the leaders of the World Championship.'