'My hardest race' -Hakkinen

Speaking after an event in which his chances were effectively destroyed by Ferrari team tactics, the Finn was unhappy about the manner in which Michael Schumacher had held him up, allowing Eddie Irvine to escape into the distance.

'I was always pushing as fast as
I could, but Michael was slow in high speed corners, easing the accelerator
on the exit of the corners which cost me time every lap,' Hakkinen explained.

'It was a hard job
sitting behind him all that time. Michael was not consistent in the corners,
he would brake in surprising places so I had to concentrate not to
run into him. I just did not have a chance to overtake him.'

He denied that this result spelt the end of his title chances however.

'Last year it
went to Suzuka. I am not feeling at all we lost the championship here.
There is still one race to go.'