2001 French Grand Prix Race Report
"It was hard work, but winning is always enjoyable and great fun," announced Michael Schumacher. Earning the 50th victory of his illustrious career, the defending champion ran out a comfortable winner in Magny Cours and in the process, extended his lead in the drivers championship to 31 points over David Coulthard. "You have to be honest," admitted the German. "It's a very comfortable lead that we are in now but there are still seven races to go, 70 points to give away so there's no reason to start celebrating before it's done."
Meanwhile, younger brother Ralf failed to capitalize on his maiden pole position courtesy of numerous problems, yet finished a content second. "From pole you hope to win and I expected to beat Michael at the start, which worked, but I had a pit-stop problem and that's why we lost a position in the first place," declared Ralf. "I am actually happy to sit here in second because it was a disaster of a race and it was really difficult to drive." Having qualified 8th on Saturday and electing to make three stops, Rubens Barrichello scored a long over due podium for Ferrari, crossing the line in 3rd place. "I guess I am a little surprised but in a way it sorted out all our problems from qualifying," said Barrichello. "Ross (Brawn) came and said 'do you want to try three stops and stay quick all the time?' It was a good try and I thank the team for that."
It was however, a fortunate result for the Brazilian following Coulthard's self-enduced penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Minus that incident, the Scot would have finished a close second behind Schumacher's Ferrari instead of collecting 3 points for 4th place. "The penalty ruined my race and it was a shame because we were competitive," Coulthard said. "But I had to face the consequences of my mistake after which I was pushing as much as possible." Indeed he was, for the Mclaren pilot hounded the Ferrari of Barrichello, yet his attempts to pass came to nothing and he settled in behind the Brazilian, still upbeat about his title aspirations. "The world championship has not been won or lost at Magny-Cours." said Coulthard. "The points gap between Michael and myself has increased and the situation is difficult but not hopeless. There are still seven races to go and I just take them one at a time because you can never guess what will happen." McLaren team mate Mika Hakkinen, endured another dose of appauling luck when his car failed to start before the cars were flagged away for the formation lap. "It is simple," said the disconsolate Finn. "I cannot believe it that you can have so much bad luck in that situation. At the time I didn't know what the problem was but the engine suddenly stopped and I just sat there. The mechanics tried everything to get the car re-started," he continued. "I have to look to the future now and look positive but it seems that things are happening to me more this season." Hakkinen's failure to rendezvous with 'Lady Luck' on a regular basis is putting an additional strain on his relationship within McLaren Mercedes outfit and it remains to be seen if any truth will arise concerning the rumours of Hakkinen's future in the sport.
Latest Articles