Michael Schumacher’s victory in the Canadian Grand Prix heralded the start of a Ferrari fight back against McLaren. The German driver would go on to win the next two races and move himself closer to Mika Hakkinen in the World Championship standings.
Schumacher Leads Ferrari 1-2 in French Grand Prix
Despite finishing sixth in the previous race, it was not enough for Jan Magnussen to keep his seat in the Stewart team, after a string of disappointing performances from the Danish driver. He was replaced at Magny-Cours by Dutchman Jos Verstappen.
Hakkinen was fastest in qualifying, with Michael Schumacher second. David Coulthard was third, followed by Eddie Irvine and Jacques Villeneuve. After an aborted start the Grand Prix finally got underway and Schumacher accelerated into the lead. Irvine also made a good start, slipping into second place. It took Hakkinen many laps to get past the Irishman’s Ferrari and, when he did, he then proceeded to spin his McLaren. A grateful Irvine accepted second place back again.
Coulthard’s race turned into a nightmare. After enduring two long pit stops he then had to return for a third time as his car had not received enough fuel. In the circumstance, he did well to finish sixth. The day belonged to Ferrari, however, with Michael Schumacher leading Irvine home. Hakkinen was third, Villeneuve fourth and Alexander Wurz fifth for Benetton.
Wet British Grand Prix Suits Schumacher
The front row of the grid at Silverstone was the same as it had been in France, with Hakkinen ahead of Michael Schumacher. Villeneuve did well to qualify his Williams third, ahead of Coulthard and Irvine.
The race started on a damp track and Hakkinen led away from Michael Schumacher and Coulthard. After a few laps Coulthard was able to pass the Ferrari for second place, but as the rain intensified he spun out of the race. Hakkinen also had an off, which damaged his McLaren’s front wing. He then saw his considerable lead disappear when the safety car was deployed due to the extreme conditions.
At the re-start Michael Schumacher made quick work of passing Hakkinen, and the Finn once again survived a cross country excursion. There was late drama when Michael Schumacher was handed a penalty for overtaking under yellow flags. He pulled into the pits on the final lap to serve it, crossing the finishing line to win the race as he did so. Hakkinen finished second and Irvine was third. Wurz was again in the points in fourth, with Giancarlo Fisichella fifth and Ralf Schumacher sixth.
Formula 1 season review continues here.
 |
