David Coulthard has stolen the thunder from teammate Mika Hakkinen to win the Belgian Grand Prix and earn his second win of the year. With Eddie Irvine starting back on the third row of the grid, it looked as if it would be an easy afternoon for Hakkinen. However, from the start he was challenged by Coulthard who forced his way into the lead in the second McLaren.
Irvine was determined to make up as much ground as possible and moved from sixth place to fourth on the opening lap. In the only contentious move of the day, Ralf Schumacher was pegged back by Mika Salo in the second Ferrari which allowed Irvine to hold onto fourth place. It was Coulthard’s second win of the year. Hakkinene’s second place ensures his return to the top of the driver’s championship, but Irvine’s fourth place finish means that he is still in contention – just one point behind Hakkinen.
