French GP McLaren race notes

The West McLaren Mercedes team claimed their first victory at this circuit when David Coulthard won the Mobil 1 French Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Mika Hakkinen by 14.748sec.

David Coulthard:
'I am delighted to have won this Grand Prix and today's result puts us back where we were after Monaco - right in the championship fight. The limited amount of running which I achieved on Friday and Saturday makes the victory even more satisfying. I knew that we had a quick car and that once I settled into the race I would find an opportunity to pass Michael. It has been a tiring weekend but my mechanics, engineers and everyone on the pitwall did a great job - thank you.'

Mika Hakkinen:
'I am really happy about today's result. It was fantastic for David, fantastic for the team and fantastic for me. We worked on my set up over night and the car's balance was much more to my liking in the warm up. I made a really good start but I got to the first corner and there were already two cars there! This meant I had to slot into fourth place at the first corner. As the race went on I knew I had the pace to pass Michael, and I was just waiting for the right opportunity which finally presented itself on lap 59. I really appreciate the efforts that my engineers and mechanics went to to make my car so competitive today.'

Ron Dennis:
'The results speak for themselves. A great race from David and a good result for Mika and the whole team. Our practice performance was a little frustrating but I suppose this makes the one - two victory even more satisfying. Our strategy, the performance of the mechanics in the pit stops and the drivers on the circuits were a credit to everyone.'

Norbert Haug:
'A great race from both our drivers especially David who really deserved that win. Thanks to all the team members for pushing so hard since the beginning of the season. We finished six races in a row with both cars and I hope we can continue this streak. Both World Championships are still open and we certainly want to reduce our points deficit further in the next races and try to win the titles at the end of the year.