Mika Hakkinen produced last-gasp effort to regain the initiative from team-mate David Coulthard in a spectacular final practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo today. Hakkinen, who had been knocked off top spot by Coulthard in the penultimate session, regained it as the chequered flag dropped in practice for the last time.
Coulthard, 29 on Monday, eventually finished back in third spot as local hero Rubens Barrichello also produced a late lap on the Interlagos circuit. World champion Hakkinen's McLaren was 0.2 seconds faster than Barrichello's Ferrari with Coulthard close behind. Championship leader Michael Schumacher is also within striking distance in the other Ferrari despite losing time with an engine change as qualifying looks set to be another battle between the bitter rivals.
Earlier, Hakkinen sent a warning message to title pacesetter Michael Schumacher as the rivals prepared for their shoot-out in the Brazilian Grand Prix tomorrow. Hakkinen won the first skirmish by setting a sizzling time in opening practice in Sao Paulo yesterday - then insisted his McLaren could go even quicker. The Finn was confident of seizing pole for the third successive time at the Interlagos track in this afternoon's practice session.
Hakkinen is desperate for victory in tomorrow's race to banish the disappointment of his retirement from the opening grand prix in Australia, which Schumacher won to grab the early initiative for Ferrari. Victory would also be a psychological boost as the race winner on the bumpy track has gone on to win the coveted drivers' crown in the past six seasons. Hakkinen and McLaren teammate David Coulthard saw their races wrecked in the season opener in Melbourne because of the same engine fault when they were holding a one-two from Schumacher.
Yesterday, the 31-year-old traded fastest laps with Schumacher throughout second session before emerging triumphant by half-a-second despite a late excursion off the circuit. Coulthard was third quickest from Rubens Barrichello in the other Ferrari. The rest of the drivers were nowhere in sight and were unlikely to stop another bruising battle for grid supremacy between the top two teams.
Britain's new young hope Jenson Button is looking to improve on his 21st place in his maiden qualifying session in Melbourne but had mixed fortunes yesterday. The 20-year-old was lying 11th after the first session - quicker than Williams BMW teammate Ralf Schumacher - but an engine problem saw him tumble to 20th place. Jaguar Racing's Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert must be wondering if they will see the end of the 71-lap race after both stopped on the track yesterday to finish 13th and 21st respectively.
