Monday April 24th, 2000
David Coulthard's victory in Sunday's British Grand Prix may have kick-started his own title challenge, but it served also to emphasise defending champion Mika Hakkinen's loss of that winning feeling.
In 12 races since his McLaren teammate Coulthard triumphed at Silverstone last July, Hakkinen, like the Scot, has won just twice despite having the clear advantage of starting from pole position eight times.
For Hakkinen, who is seeking to emulate the great Juan- Manuel Fangio of Argentina this season by claiming a third successive title, it is not the form he needs.
In the same period, since he broke his leg in a crash on the opening lap of last year's race, Michael Schumacher has won three times for Ferrari, finished second twice and third once in just six outings.
Ferrari, for whom Brazilian Rubens Barrichello is still waiting to win his maiden race, and McLaren remain the strongest contenders for the championship, and Schumacher has generally demonstrated a cutting edge unmatched by his rivals.
A powerful revival after a poor start on Sunday took Schumacher eventually to third place -- and more useful points.
"We know that in the current situation we are trading points with another team and every opportunity missed gives our main competitors an advantage," said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.
"Now, we have to discover what caused the problem on Rubens' car and concentrate on not letting any more points slip from our grasp."
Hakkinen, obviously disappointed at his car's handling and his own problems, tried to avoid all talk about team tactics and suggestions that, had he been driving fast enough, he might have been asked to follow Coulthard home.
To a direct question on this, he replied merely: "Maybe..."
It might have been a summary of his championship chances.
With Coulthard showing the hunger and the confidence to mount a title bid and Schumacher in form, he knows he has to deliver a result at the Spanish Grand Prix in 13 days time.
Last year, Hakkinen took pole and came home first in front of Coulthard in a one-two ahead of the two Ferraris.
A similar result would have the desired effect for the Finn and his team as they bid to open up this year's title race and prevent a Ferrari runaway.