2001 Belgian Grand Prix Race Report

Lap 19 and with it came the second round of stops. First to venture into the pits, Trulli came in from 5th and emerged 8.3s later in 8th; followed a tour later by team mate Alesi with Fisichella and Hakkinen in on lap 23, both keeping their positions easily. Following his 7.2s stop, Coulthard emerged from his pit a lap later but was passed by the Benetton of Fisichella on the run down to Eau Rouge. Schumacher M brought his Ferrari in on lap 25 and with a 45 second lead in his pocket, the German re-joined 7.7s later, in 1st place. Up the hill to Les Combes, Coulthard got a good tow from Fisichella and managed to pass the Italian and into 2nd spot whilst further back, Ralf Schumacher took Villeneuve for 8th. Running a fine 5th, Trulli pulled off the circuit on lap 32 with a blown Honda engine. "I really enjoyed the race," the Italian said. "Unfortunately the engine failed just four laps from the end when I was set to finish in fifth place but I am happy that today the car's performance provided me with the opportunity to race competitively."

As is de rigieuor this season, Michael Schumacher experienced no reliability problems and duly took the flag on lap 36 for a record 52nd time. "I am delighted with this result," announced the German. "Spa is one of the circuits which drivers value highly, so it is always special to win here and I have a lot of good memories over the ten years of racing here." Pleased with his afternoon's work, Coulthard finished a fine 2nd for McLaren. "In these circumstances, six points was absolutely the best I could hope for," he declared. "So I'm pretty happy considering the way my weekend started and the way qualifying went and again the guys have given me a reliable car." Showing good pace throughout the race, Fishichella was an elated third for Benetton in what has proved to be a difficult season for the Italian. "We did a very good job," he said. "I did two amazing starts, especially the second one from sixth position to second, and I'm happy. It's a great day, and I'd like to say thank you to the team." Seemingly off form, Hakkinen took 4th for McLaren, ahead of Barrichello in 5th with Jean Alesi

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