Canadian GP McLaren notes

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

The West McLaren Mercedes team today enjoyed what was a well deserved victory by Mika Hakkinen at the Canadian Grand Prix. The last time the team won this race was in1992. Today's result also puts Mika in the lead of the Drivers' World Championship. David Coulthard however, had an incident filled race which saw him make three pit stops and drop down the order from third position to finish just out of the points in seventh place.

MIKA HAKKINEN ' It was a fantastic race, I really enjoyed it and I am really pleased to have changed my luck at this particular circuit. I felt very comfortable with the car and I was able to match Michael's pace and at the same time look after my car. Then to my surprise I saw him go off and I just concentrated on maintaining the right pace to win the race.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'I had a little bit too much wheel spin at the start but I got away and was able to re - pass Fisichella reasonably easily. Later in the race I managed to get half a car's length ahead of Eddie going into one of the corners and I was a bit surprised when he went around the outside and turned into me, then we touched as I didn't have anywhere to go. I guess in reality it was really a fifty - fifty situation. After that I came in for a quick wheel check but I must have bent the suspension a bit as I was crabbing down the straight. My race was then somewhat hampered when I misread the flashing blue/green lights at the exit to the pit lane and suffered the relevant ten second penalty.'

RON DENNIS ' A race of mixed fortunes which ultimately saw Mika come out with a well earned victory. A well executed but controlled strategy clearly put the right amount of pressure on our competition. Having taken the lead we were able to dictate the pace and focus on conserving the car. David's race was full on incidents some of which were the result of the miscommunications stemming from high levels of radio interference which unfortunately we have previously experienced on race days in Canada. Next year we must be better prepared.'

MARIO ILLIEN 'A trouble free weekend for our Mercedes-Benz engines - the results speak for themselves.'