Hakkinen: 'The first corner will be fun'
Mika Hakkinen admitted he has struggled all weekend with car set-up as a record third pole start in Hungary slipped from his grasp. But as he prepares to start third - the position from which he leapt into the lead in Germany - the world champion joked he was looking forward to another first corner confrontation between pole holder Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard
"It is going to be extremely good fun to see what happens at the first corner," he said with a smile. Then he turned to Schumacher and said: "What do you think Michael? Please don't do your normal [tactic]."
"Because they are such good friends they will handle the first corner really well."
But the world champion who is trying to become the first man since the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio to win three titles in a row admitted he has not managed to get his McLaren's set-up to his liking.
"I was first onto the track for qualifying because there were a few changes I wanted to evaluate," he said. "We made big changes all session and I have not been happy with the car all weekend. I am struggling a lot."
But the Finn predicted he would be in better shape for Sunday's 12th round. "I am confident we can find a solution so I can be consistent and enjoy the race," he added.
He has 54 points in the title chase, equal with Coulthard but two behind Schumacher.
For full qualifying results, click here.
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