Malaysian GP McLaren race notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard finished third in today's weather affected Malaysian Grand Prix to remain second in the 2001 Drivers' World Championship with 10 points. Team mate Mika Hakkinen came sixth to take one point in a Grand Prix where torrential rain beginning on lap three caused several incidents and forced cars to go into the pits early. Mika also set the fastest lap of the race on lap 48 with a time 1:40.962. The West McLaren Mercedes team currently has 11 points and is second in the 2001 Formula One Constructors' World Championship.

David Coulthard
'Starting from eighth I would have been happy with a few points but with conditions like the ones today anything could have happened. I made a good start moving to fourth and was able to benefit when the rain began to pour. I spun off with Trulli just before I went into the pits and at that time we believed wet tyres would be the correct choice. I was leading when the safety car pulled in but as Michael and Rubens were on intermediates they were able to take a one-two. However I have more points now than I did at this stage of the Championship last year and I know that we are currently running a car, which is capable of a lot more than what we have shown this weekend.'

Mika Hakkinen
'I got stuck at the first corner when Ralf Schumacher spun in front of me and lost four positions. After the safety car phase was over, I didn't seem to be able to make any considerable progress up the field. I was caught behind Verstappen, which lost me valuable time. After my last pit stop, I was able to attack again and set a number of fastest race laps. I caught Ralf Schumacher in fifth during the closing stages but it's easier to catch than it is to pass. At least I have scored my first point of 2001.'

Ron Dennis
'The decision by the team to put both drivers on full wet tyres was the only responsible option to take when faced with the severity of the downpour. This was confirmed by David, who reported to us that he was aquaplaning at 100 km/h behind the safety car. However ultimately when the safety car pulled in, conditions had significantly improved resulting in a performance advantage being passed to our main competitors who had fitted intermediate tyres. Off course the result of the race was unsatisfactory but Mika's fastest lap demonstrates our potential. Another excellent drive by David which earned him a well deserved third place.'

Norbert Haug
'David drove a very good and consistent race and Mika was really fast after his third pitstop doing a great job and setting the fastest lap time. Our engines ran reliably. The basis for better results are there and we will work hard to further improve.'