Hakkinen celebrates Irvine woe
Mika Hakkinen celebrated Eddie Irvine's misfortune in the European Grand Prix
While the Finn was bumped off pole for only the third time this year his main title rival had a disastrous day to start ninth after sliding off the circuit after locking his brakes.
'I saw that,' grinned Hakkinen. 'It's a really good thing and I can't really say I'm sorry about it'
Irvine's misfortune put Hakkinen's qualifying session into perspective.
The Finn starts behind Heinz-Harald Frentzen on pole and team-mate David Coulthard second but has a 10 point lead over one and 12 over the other.
'I'm disappointed not to be on pole but it could have been a lot a lot worse,' said Hakkinen.
'Even if I had got the maximum out of the car I don't think I would have bettered Heinz-Harald's time.
'We got the best out of the car and we should be happy with the result.
'Naturally I hope the weather holds up for the race but I feel confident we have a good set-up whatever the conditions.'
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