Monaco GP McLaren race notes

The West McLaren Mercedes team could take some consolation from David Coulthard finishing fifth in today's Monaco Grand Prix. David, who had qualified on pole position, had a technical problem at the beginning of the formation lap, which stopped the engine and he had to start from the back of the field. Mika Hakkinen was in second place when he was forced to retire on lap 18 after his car developed a technical problem. David remains second in the Drivers' World Championship with 40 points while Mika is 13th with four. The West McLaren Mercedes is second in the Constructors' World Championship with 44 points.

DAVID COULTHARD:
"At the start of the formation lap there was a technical problem with the launch control, which stopped the engine. It`s something we have tested a lot and it shouldn't have happened. Obviously 1 was frustrated when it occurred, but as a racing driver you have to overcome that and concentrate on getting the car started and get on with the race. I was stuck behind Bernoldi for many laps and I was afraid that if I took a dive he might cut across and we would both end up in the barriers, so I had to be very patient. We have to look at the positives and once we were in the race, we had a quick and reliable car. I'm pleased to finish in the points but I wanted to win."

Mika Hakkinen:
"I made a good start and was close behind Michael when all of a sudden the car just started pulling to the right. I went into the pits but the crew couldn't find anything wrong immediately and we decided to go beck out. However the car was still behaving in a strange manner, and I decided that it would be impossible to go flat out and there was no other option than to retire. We are not sure what the problem was but I know that I didn't hit anything and I'm sure the engineers will find out very soon."

RON DENNIS:
"An eventful and frustrating day but that is motor racing. At this stage its inappropriate to comment on the problems we experienced apart From that the fact that the responsibility doesn't rest with the drivers. Once the race settled down the team worked hard to contribute to David's points scoring drive. The Championship remains completely open."

NORBERT HAUG
"David and Mika demonstrated what would have been possible for them today. David stopped through no fault of his own before the formation lap and lost every chance of winning despite the fact that he was the fastest driver during the race. Mika's race was equally disappointing, but at this stage we don't know the Cause of his retirement."

-McLaren