Sunday, July 26, 1998

Post-race press conference

With Mika Hakkinen (McLaren), David Coulthard (McLaren) and Michael
Schumacher (Ferrari).

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Q: Mika, congratulations. This one seemed to give you more satisfaction
that the rest?
MH: Maybe you can see the most smiles on our faces. The last couple of
races have been difficult for McLaren. With first and second you cannot ask
for more, that is exactly what we wanted and more or less what we expected.
We have done intensive development work before this Grand prix, it worked
perfectly and they are extrememly competent.

Q: What about the pressure from Schumacher?
MH: There was natural pressure when you are leading a GP, someone is always
pushing. You have to be very careful all the time to not make mistakes.
There is a natural pressure.

Q: But you must be getting used to it?
MH: Yes. I guess racing is what I have done for many years. I am getting used to it.

Q: He had one big go though, didn't he?
MH: Actually quite a few times. I had a brake problem in my car, it was a
brake balance problem. I was struggling a lot to keep in the corners, I was
not able to race with Michael, so he always had a chance to overtake. I
knew I was watching him all the time. I know overtaking is difficult and
risky, there is a high possibilty for an accident.

Q: Was it a big relief when he disappeared?
MH: Yes, naturally.

Q: Was the car perfect today?
MH: It was pretty good. I was enjoying myself very well. I have to answer
that question in such a way because I am never happy with the car. Our car
is best and quickest so I don't complain.

Q: There was one point when you lost a few seconds. Was there a problem?
MH: There was a couple of situation in the brakes and that was at Turn Two,
it was one of the Sauber cars. There was plenty of yellow flags and I
slowed down for safety. So I lost some time there, and Turn three also oil
flags and the same things. I slowed enormously, nearly too much, and then I
realised. But it was lucky because there was a car in the middle of the
corner. The speed going through the corner and if I had gone through there
flat out it would have been an incident.

Q: Were you easing off towards the end?
MH: There was a safety margin and I think you will understand that it is
better to bring the car across the line. I was not as confident so I was
easy and I finished.

Q: David, congratulations.
DC: My initial start I think was very good and then I think there was a car
stalled on the grid I had to lift for that and that allowed Damon to
overtake. When I took the first corner I said stay out of trouble and I had
that same attitude and looked in my mirror to see what was happening behind
me and I saw this car all locked up. I moved wide but he was not content at
passing me because he hit my rear wheel. I drove forward just as Salo was
doing a donut and I was saying please don't hit my car. So I have to come
back to pits for new front wing. Luckily the safety car was out, so loss
not as big. It just meant starting at back of grid.

Q: Fantastic feeling to get past so many cars?
DC: It is quite easy when you have a good car. If I was in a car with the
same speed it is a different story alotogether. It is enjoyable, but when I
am trying to do my best for the championship I don't want to be coming
through the field. I want to be at the front and challenging Mika.

Q: Was most overtaking at the remus corner?
DC: Yes, most there.

Q: Was the car okay?
DC: The car was very good until my first stop and sometimes it happens when
the fuel gets off and tyres come in the car gets quicker and quicker. There
is not the same in them to push, but I was content to push. Then I had one
little incident where I ran wide, turned a bit late into the corner. I
thought I would go, because had speed to come back on circuit.

Q: Was Eddie a worry?
DC: Not really, because my car was much quicker. Getting dirt off my tyres
was my priority, because if he was within diving distance then you know you
have to be prepared for Eddie to do that.

Q: Michael, you were really worrying Mika early on?
MS: I was faster and I tried to find my space. There were certain moments
and certain spaces, but it didn't work out.

Q: You had a big moment here, was there much damage?
MS: They just changed the nose. The car behaved pretty well, even after
handling, I was able to come back on the field and pick up the positions.

Q: Was there gravel in the car?
MS: I think after this weekend I can fill my house. I don't think there was
much gravel, but generally it was alright.

Q: The battle with ralf seemed fun?
MS: It was interesting. He was pretty fast, I thought he was slower but he
didn't make any mistake and set my car with a lot of speed, so it was nice
to overtake. He did it right, he chose one line, not good if you want to
overtake, then finally I came from the outside of the corner and caught him
into third corner. Even earlier if no yellow flags down there I could have
got past, but in general it was a hard battle. I nearly hit him, locked my
wheels and slid wide. Luckily he turned in a bit harder than normal.

Q: Was it team orders with Eddie?
MS: What exactly happened was that we both had brake problems and both had
to ease up. It is natural that Eddie would not make it too difficult, he
would not ease off. He didn't really want to let me past there, but he lost
acceleration and caught me on the straight.

Q: What about germany?
MS: We have some bits and pieces coming for those kind of circuits. We have
been competitive for many circuits so far.

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4