'Shaken' Hakkinen Stays Positive for Race

Finn Mika Hakkinen survived a heavy shunt during the final minutes of qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit.

The Finn, who announced on Friday that he was taking a year off in 2002 to spend more time with his family, lost control of his car coming out of the Lesmo corner and crashed heavily against the barriers.

Hakkinen admitted after the session that he was just shaken, and looking forward to a better result in the race after qualifying in a poor seventh place.

"On my last timed lap I ran wide and the rear tyre went on to the gravel," he explained. "The car went sideways and I just couldn't recover. I thought that if I lifted it would be worse so I just kept my foot down, but the car snapped before I managed to get it back on the circuit and I went into the barrier.

"I'm fine but a bit shaken. However I'm going to put it to the back of my mind and continue working. As is obvious from looking at the times all is not well as we are far away from the pole position time. However we will stay positive and work hard to find a solution for tomorrow."

McLaren teammate David Coulthard completed a disappointing session for the Woking team, as he was only capable of posting the sixth fastest time of the day. The Scot driver, who is fighting for second place in the Championship, admitted he was till aiming for victory tomorrow.

"We were struggling today but to be honest we were expecting it as Hockenheim had proved that this sort of circuit layout doesn't suit us," he said. "I think the car was capable of a slightly better time if the confidence had been there.

"As always I aim to go for victory but it will be difficult. I think we can be better tomorrow but we will have to wait and see if it's enough. However it's not over until the chequered flag."