Italian GP McLaren race notes

ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 1998 – RACE DAY

Chassis Numbers Mika Hakkinen: MP4-13/04 David Coulthard: MP4-13/06 T.Car: MP4-13/02 T.Car: MP4-13/03

Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard of the West McLaren Mercedes team both made excellent starts going from the second row of the grid into first and second places by the first corner. The strong start was sadly not to last until the finish as David Coulthard's engine blew whilst he was leading the race and a brake problem in the last stage of the race dropped Mika to fourth by the chequered flag. However, the team go into the final two races in the lead of the Constructors' Championship and with Mika Hakkinen first equal with Michael Schumacher at the head of the Drivers' World Championship.'

MIKA HAKKINEN 'This race was especially disappointing because I experienced a brake problem in the last phase of the race, with seven laps to go, which was the reason for my high speed spin - I was lucky to come out of that without stalling. Whilst I was spinning I was thinking 'this will mean zero points', but fortunately I managed to keep going and score three points. Up to that point I was competitive and on my second set of tyres I was reeling in Michael. Now I am looking ahead to the final two races and I am confident that we will do a much better job at the home Grands Prix of Mercedes and Bridgestone in Germany and Japan. I am still very positive and will fight to win the championship.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'The car was very strong, the set up was working well and then the engine tightened as I came out of the first chicane and the engine blew. I had a good one stop strategy and today's result is very disappointing because we had such a good car and an advantage at this circuit. It is a shame not to finish.

RON DENNIS 'Well that's motor racing -- but it is not over yet!

NORBERT HAUG 'This was not our day. David's engine broke whilst being in a commanding lead.for which I would like to apologise. Mika gave it his all but in the last phase of the race, he experienced brake problems. I would like to congratulate Michael Schumacher and Ferrari on their home win, which they deserved.