Belgian GP Ferrari race notes

Michael Schumacher:
"Hakkinen was simply much faster today, even though we improved the car from yesterday to today and from the last race to this one. We do not feel we have lost the championship. Everyone is still pushing very hard in the team. I picked up six points today. The championship is still alive. I was driving through the water to cool my tyres. I had no problems with them but it felt better. But there was also a risk of getting dirt on the tyres. We made some adjustments to the front wing during one of the pit stops. My second stop was a bit long but at the moment I do not know why. As for the last few laps, I was happy to see the backmarker in front of me, because I felt Hakkinen had more straight line speed and I thought it would help. But it was not enough. As for the passing move, usually there is only room for two cars on the track but Mika made an outstanding move. If he had not passed me there, he would have done it later. As for the previous lap, I changed direction once as allowed in the rules. I don't feel I did anything wrong. But I want to see the video."

Rubens Barrichello:
"I made a good start, passing Herbert while it was still very wet. For my first stop, I had asked to come in one lap earlier but the radio did not work and so I stopped behind Schumacher, but without losing much time. I did not have good straight-line speed and could not pass Villeneuve. So we decided to change strategy. It was the right decision. After the second stop I was actually going very well. However, on the exact lap when I should have come in for the third stop the engine cut out because of a drop in fuel pressure." Jean Todt:
"In the end this was very disappointing, because with Michael we did not get the result we could have done. We lost to a very strong and very lucky driver. Rubens, who could have finished in the points had to retire with a fuel pressure problem. The team did a good job. After today's race we are now six points down in the Drivers' Championship with Michael and eight behind in the Constructors.' There is still everything to play for and we will continue to strive for success with our usual determination."