Hungarian GP McLaren race notes

After Mika Hakkinen's victory and David Coulthard's third place finish in today's Hungarian Grand Prix, the West McLaren Mercedes team is leading both the Drivers' and the Constructors' Formula One World Championship. Mika has 64 points while David is third with 58 points.

Mika Hakkinen:
'I knew that the start would be crucial, because it's almost impossible to overtake on this circuit. Normally the perfect start doesn't happen more than once a year and after my get away two weeks ago at Hockenheim I thought that my quota had been used up. Once I took the lead I was comfortable throughout the race and the entire team has done a fantastic job the whole weekend to optimise the car. I'm extremely happy to win and also to take the lead in the World Championship.'

David Coulthard:
'I didn't get a perfect get away today and was unhappy with the balance until after my first pit stop when I felt I really could join the race. I was so close to Michael and was really putting on the pressure but unfortunately on a couple of occasions I was struggling to lap some of my competitors.'

Ron Dennis:
'An almost perfect race. A tremendous start and drive from Mika with David maintaining the pressure on Michael throughout the Grand Prix to claim a solid third place. We are pleased to leave Hungary leading both Championships and are even more committed to provide both drivers with an opportunity to win the World Championship.'

Norbert Haug:
'Mika had a great race. His victory may have looked easy, but it was tough to achieve - in my view this was one of his best drives ever. He now really deserves the lead in the World Championship. Unfortunately David was held up by traffic which prevented him from getting an even better result. The team worked perfectly and the race strategy was excellent.'