British GP McLaren race notes

BRITISH GRAND PRIX - RACE DAY

Chassis Numbers: Mika Hakkinen: MP4-14 / 05 David Coulthard: MP4-14 / 06 T.Car: MP4 -14 /02

The West McLaren Mercedes team are delighted for David Coulthard, who today achieved his first race win of the season taking victory in his home Grand Prix. Mika Hakkinen sadly had to retire on lap 36 owing to problems with his left rear wheel.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'I was pleased with my first start, but the race was red flagged early during the first lap just before Michael's accident - I hope he's back with us soon. My second get away was not quite so clean. Things seemed to be going well though until I came in for my first pit stop when I experienced some imbalance on the left hand side of the car. I came in for another pit stop but there was some problem getting my left rear wheel on and as you all saw it came off. Fortunately I was just at the entrance to the pit lane and was able to pit immediately. However, despite going back out again the team came on the radio and told me they had decided that I should retire to eliminate any potential risk.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'That was fantastic. I feel fantastic. I realised that when my team got me out in front of Eddie after both pitstops, that, so long as I kept out of trouble, I could win this one. It was the most nerve wracking time of my career but to win the British Grand Prix is the best feeling ever. My best wishes go to Michael Schumacher whom I hope makes a speedy recovery.'

RON DENNIS 'It was a tremendous race from David with excellent work from the team in the pits. It was disappointing for Mika who suffered a left hand rear wheel problem which we will fully investigate. However, we decided to retire the car as a precaution against a similar problem. Overall this was an historic weekend for the TAG McLaren Group.'

NORBERT HAUG 'Congratulations to David he has deserved this victory for a very long time. I feel very sorry for Michael Schumacher and I hope he is not suffering too much from the consequences of his high speed accident. I wish him all the best and a good recovery.'