I lost the race at the start, says Mika

The Finn went into the race hoping for a win to kick-start his title chase, after scoring just one point in the opening four rounds of the championship. But he never figured in the scrap for victory as he finished a distant fourth, and has just four points while Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard have 26 apiece.

"What is sad is that both David and I lost the chance to win the race at the start," said Hakkinen. "I didn't have enough grip in the rear tyres and neither did David. That gave Ralf the opportunity to overtake.

"Everyone was attacking in the first corner and I lost some parts of the front wing which affected the balance of the car. It was not a positive thing to happen.

"The start basically decided my race when I was passed by Montoya and Trulli. It is very difficult to overtake unless the drier in front of you makes a significant mistake so I was stuck in fourth for most of the race.

"It is very pleasant to get some points, although unfortunately the overall position was not very good for me. It would have been nice to win, but I am happy."

He is now seventh overall in the championship he has won twice in the last three years.