Malaysian GP McLaren race notes

Chassis Numbers: Mika Hakkinen MP4-14/04 David Coulthard MP4-14/06 T.Car (MH) MP4-14/02 T.Car (DC) MP4-14/05

The West McLaren Mercedes team finished the Malaysian Grand Prix with Mika Hakkinen in third position whilst his team mate David Coulthard retired from the race on lap 14 when his engine cut out with a fuel pressure problem.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'That was a tough race. I spent most of it behind Michael Schumacher and whilst I thought I could challenge him for the place I was unable to get passed him. Part of the reason for this was that I had to drive very cautiously as I didn't want to get caught out by his inconsistent driving patterns. He was lifting in high speed corners and fluctuating his speed so I had to be careful that I did not run into him. But it is not over yet, there is still Japan and I have every confidence that we will be strong there.'

DAVID COULTHARD 'A very disappointing day for me. I was feeling good in the car and once I had got passed Michael I felt that I was in an excellent position to challenge Eddie for the lead. Sadly I didn't get the chance as the car suddenly cut out for no apparent reason. We are trying to ascertain the reason for this but it looks as though it might be the fuel pump that failed.'

RON DENNIS 'David was doing a great job, when he suffered a loss of fuel pressure, the cause of which we are still investigating. Of course it is difficult to be competitive when your opposition is running the kind of strategy that hampers your own performance. However, Eddie Irvine is only four points ahead of Mika and much like last year, everything will be decided in the final race of the season.'

NORBERT HAUG 'We are four points behind in both championships but we can still win them in Suzuka. A disappointing result but the season is not yet over.'