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2001 British Grand Prix Race Report

© Max J. Davies

A fairly un-inspiring race this. For once, conversation after Sunday's British Grand Prix did not involve the championship contenders Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard. Instead, all eyes were on the return of Mika Hakkinen, who won his first race since Spa last year. "I feel really good," said the Finn. "Its been too long since I have been on the top step of the podium and I'm happy to claim victory here at Silverstone as it's one of the races I have always wanted to win, and it's the team's home event." It was a dominant performance and moved to eradicate any recent doubts concerning Hakkinen's motivation and speed. "The passion has always been there," he added. "But I suppose it's a fear for every Grand Prix driver who has won a Grand Prix that you think that you're never going to win again - that's why I kept pushing very hard today because you know it's a great feeling." Having taken pole position with relative ease on Saturday,

Michael Shumacher finished a content second behind the winning McLaren. Opting for a suspect one-stop strategy, Michael was happy to have collected another 6 points, claiming that on Sunday at least, "There were more important things than trying to win at all costs." With rival Coulthard having been removed early on in the proceedings, and the pressure now lifted, Schumacher's conservative approach did not win him many fans, yet ensured he extended his lead in the championship table. "My car wasn't really quite the way I would have liked it," said Schumacher. "It wasn't easy to find the right strategy because sometimes it works in your favour, sometimes it doesn't.It's nice to know but still, I would rather sit here and tell you the championship is over but it's not - and I do want to continue winning races...."

Rubens Barrichello took the flag in 3rd, having been out-driven and out-performed again by his Ferrari team mate. A disappointing Saturday afternoon left the Brazilian languishing down in 6th place on the grid, leaving plenty of work to do for the race. "I am happy with this result," commented Barrichello. "This is my first Formula 1 podium at Silverstone. I made up a few places at the start but the car did not really have the balance I like - so I was driving carefully, while still trying to be quick and with two podiums in two races, I have to be reasonably happy."

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