This was the most exciting grand prix I've watched for quite some time:
1) Hakkinen's brilliant start. I've never seen a better start than that.
2) Coulthard's *** move on Schumacher, though I can accept his
explanation for that, given in the post-race conference.
3) Schumacher and Fisichella come to grief on the first turn! I would put
the blame mostly on Schumacher, but reserve a little blame for Fisichella.
4) Barrichello's superb drive from 18th to 5th in the first 6 laps.
5) Frentzen also excellent moving from 17th to 6th in 11 laps.
6) Madman on track at 26th lap! Safety car comes out, and field bunches
together again.
7) Several crashes, spinouts. Alesi's was quite spectacular, with the wheels
coming off. Safety car again.
8) Rain! Hakkinen pits immediately, Coulthard stays out for a few laps
before pitting, but Barrichello doesn't pit at all, and takes lead! Track is
wet near the stadium but dry elsewhere.
9) Barrichello wins! Frentzen unlucky. Two Mclarens 2nd and 3rd.
A great race by Barrichello. Yes, he was lucky that it rained and yet
stayed dry for most of the track, but he made the decision not to go in, and
he and his car were able to handle the tough and variable conditions on the
track. Well done Rubens!
Bendito;