Failure Puts Brake On Hakkinen.

Mika Hakkinen saw his world championship lead eroded as brake problems set in on his McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix.


The Finn, who had a seven point advantage going into the race, led in the early stages before falling behind title rival Michael Schumacher. A spirited fightback was then thwarted by two spins caused by fading brakes. Subsequent speculation has pointed the finger at a new treatment of the standard brake discs introduced at the manufacturing stage to combat the heavy brake wear usually experienced at Monza.

Mika Hakkinen saw his world championship lead eroded as brake problems set in on his McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix.


The Finn, who had a seven point advantage going into the race, led in the early stages before falling behind title rival Michael Schumacher. A spirited fightback was then thwarted by two spins caused by fading brakes. Subsequent speculation has pointed the finger at a new treatment of the standard brake discs introduced at the manufacturing stage to combat the heavy brake wear usually experienced at Monza.

Despite performing miracles to avoid hitting anything on his first excursion, Hakkinen eventually dropped back to fourth by the chequered flag. With Schumacher winning, the two protagonists are now tied at the top of the championship table.


(This race was disappointing because I experienced a brake problem in the last phase of the race,) explained Hakkinen later, (Fortunately, I was able to keep the car going and score three points, but I am disappointed because up to [the point where the brakes went off] I was competitive and able to close on Michael.)


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