2001 British Grand Prix Race Report

happen," declared Hakkinen. "I was saying, dear God don't. But it was OK. I believe we made a great show today, the car was working well and we had the right strategy. I kept pushing as hard as possible during the race but once I had taken the chequered flag, I slowed right down to enjoy the feeling and wave to the enthusiastic spectators." Behind a jubilant Hakkinen, Michael Schumcher crossed the line in second place and in the process, extended his surely insurmountable lead over Coulthard to 37 points. His Ferrari proving difficult to control all afternoon, the German was still up-beat about his afternoon's work. "My car wasn't really the way I would have liked to have it and particularly into Copse I had a lot of problems," explained Michael. "Mika was flying, he was much, much faster, so it would have been very difficult anyway to win this Grand Prix, but I've normally done so well this year and Mika did an outstanding job." Third for Ferrari, was a content Barrichello. His machine laden with a heavy fuel load, the Brazilian was pleased to have scored his third consecutive podium, and re-claim third place in the championship. "I was never happy with the car since Friday," said Rubens. "We're also still investigating what's going on because the car felt quite different from the one that I tested here and so I don't think that if I had changed to two stops I would have done any better today." A frustrated Montoya was fourth for Williams, ahead of the ever impressive Raikkonen and Sauber team mate Heidfeld in 6th.

The circus now moves to the fast and un-imaginative sweeps of Hockenheim where Michael Schumacher will continue his quest to equal Alain Prost's record of 51 wins. For McLaren, Coulthard's retirement at Silverstone has severely lessoned the chances of the Scot taking the title, but he can take heart from the announcement that Hakkinen will be asked to help his team mate for the remainder of the season. With only 6 races to go and 60 points available, a fourth championship is looming large in the distance for Michael Schumacher...and away from the spotlight, he knows it too.

MJD2001 ©

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