French GP McLaren race notes

Team McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard finished today's Mobil 1 French Grand Prix in fourth position. During the race David was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for speeding in the pitlane after his first pitstop on lap 26 which took 9.1 seconds. David's second pitstop took place on lap 51 and lasted 7.6 seconds. David also set the fastest lap of the race with 1:16.088 on lap 53. Mika Hakkinen's car would not start for the formation lap due to an assembly problem in the gearbox. David retains second place in the Drivers' Championship with 47 points and Mika is seventh with nine points. Team McLaren Mercedes is second in the Constructors' Championship with 56 points

DAVID COULTHARD
"The 10-second stop and go penalty ruined my race. It was a shame because we were competitive today, but I had to face the consequences of my mistake after which I was pushing as much as possible. I was really close to Rubens in the closing stages but was unable to get past as he was pulling away in the first three corners. The World Championship has not been won or lost at Magny Cours. The points gap between Michael Schumacher and myself has increased and the situation is difficult but not hopeless. There are still seven races to go and I just take them one at a time because you can never guess what will happen. I'm now going to concentrate on the team's and my home Grand Prix at Silverstone in two weeks time."

MIKA HAKKINEN
"At the time I didn't know what the problem was, but I couldn't believe it. I just sat there whilst the mechanics were trying to get the car started. Obviously I'm disappointed but things happen ? it just seem they are happening to me more this season."

RON DENNIS
"I think David's comments after the race say it all. Mika's problem was caused by an incorrectly assembled component in the gearbox. At times like this it's important to remember that through thick and thin we are a team and we all make mistakes. The Championships are not over and we will immediately start to focus on our home Grand Prix at Silverstone."

NORBERT HAUG
"David had the speed to compete upfront, but unfortunately his stop-and-go penalty prevented him from having a chance to win today. Mika couldn't take part in the race when his car didn't start due to a gearbox problem before the formation lap."

-McLaren