Hungarian GP McLaren notes

Race Day - Hungary Sunday 13th August

The high level of attrition suffered by the competitors in the Hungarian Grand Prix claimed the two Marlboro McLaren Mercedes cars, which were both affected by engine problems. Mika Hakkinen retired only four laps into the race, whilst in fifth place, and Mark Blundell, who was running fourth in spite of fuel pressure problems, came in the pits on lap 55 to prevent further damage to the Mercedes V10.

Mika Hakkinen: "Before I retired with enginer failure the performance of the car and engine was good and I could anticipate to gain some positions in the race. Unfortunately, when the engine goes, there's nothing you can do about it. It is a pity because the warm-up had been very positive; in race set-up, I had been able to get second place quite comfortable without having any problems, and that was very encouraging this afternoon."

Mark Blundell: "I am quite upset becuase I think after such a poor weekend so far, the race would have given us a good result. I am disappointed for my mechanics and my team because I was going well and the car balance was good. Unfortunately I had a fuel leak problem very early on in the race which caused some of my lap times to be way down. Eventually, the problem extended to the engine and we decided to go back to the pits rather than lose it out on the circuit. It is a shame because I felt I had a podium position within my grasp, as I was on a two pit stops strategy with all the others in front having to stop one more time."

Norbert Haug: "Today's result is disappointing, as we showed in practice, and Mark in the race, that we can do competitive lap times. He started from 13th and had charged up to fourth when he retired. We have to work hard on the reliability of the engine and I am looking forward to the next race in Spa."

Ron Dennis: "In some ways I am disappointed, but in others I am encouraged by today's performance. Whilst both cars suffered engine failures, which is the price you have to pay for the rapid development of the power unit, we find on the positive side that we are much closer to being competitive, both with the engine and the chassis. The cars were well balanced, but Mark's race was hampered by a fuel pressure inconsistency which certainly affected his progress. Irrespecitve of that, with our two pit stops strategy, I am sure we would have seen him finish third."