San Marino Grand Prix - 5th May
			
The Marlboro McLaren Mercedes team experienced a great contrast of
feelings during the San Marino Grand Prix.  Another storming start by
David saw the Marlboro McLaren Mercedes driver take the lead ahead of
Michael Schumacher and maintain his position until his first pitstop on
lap 20.  He was runnng second when he came in for his second refuelling
stop but stalled.  Having rejoined in fifth place, he was working his
way up to a podium finish when an hydraulic failure forced him to
retire on lap 45.  Mika who was using the spare car, struggled with
traffic in the early stages, then received a 10 second penalty for
blocking Schumacher as he battled with Pedro Diniz.  He had fought back
to seventh when his engine failed in the final laps.

Mika Hakkinen:  "OF course this is a disappointing result.  I had
problems with the traffic at the start of the race as the circuit was
in a condition which makes overtaking difficult - unless something
dramatic happens to another driver.  Later in the race I received a 10
seconds penalty for blocking Schumacher.  Then my engine blew, so it's
been a very difficult day."

David Coulthard:  "It's disappointing not to finish the race,
especially as once again we showed that we are quick enough and
deserving of a place on the podium.  In the middle of the race the
gearbox started to feel a bit lazy on the downchange, which may be part
of the problem on my second pitstop when I stalled.  Then we found out
that I had lost hydraulic pressure and that's why the car stopped on
the circuit.  It's very disappointing because it was fantastic to be
leading a race again.  It really felt good to be at the front and it
really pays for all the hard work that everybody at McLaren and
Mercedes has been putting in."

Norburt Haug: "This was an encouraging step forward, having led the
first 19 laps and spent two thirds of the race in a podium position.
We have to work on the reliability issue, but look forward to the races
to come."

Ron Dennis: "We led a race, which is something that we have not done
for quite some time.  Of course, it's where you want to finish, but
hydraulic failure put paid to that with David.  Mika's race was made
more difficult by having to race in the T-car after a problem with the
race car this morning.  That car in turn suffered an engine failure.
We are looking forward to a productive four days test over the course
of next week and hopefully we will be even more competitive in Monaco."