Hakkinen Wins Spanish GP

Mika Hakkinen went to the front during a slow pit stop by polesitter Michael Schumacher, then led a McLaren sweep of the top two spots Sunday in the Spanish Grand Prix.

It was the first victory this season for the two-time and defending Formula One champion, who also won the race last year. It was the second straight McLaren victory following wins in the first three races this year by the Ferrari of Schumacher.

"It feels like it has been a really long time since the last win," Hakkinen said. "I don't know how I can explain how pleased I am. I'm just over the moon."

He finished 16.066 seconds ahead of teammate David Coulthard, who raced just five days after being slightly injured in a private plane crash in France that killed the pilot and co-pilot.

"It was good to get in the car, drive, do my job," Coulthard said. "This is the best thing that can happen for the team and myself to come away from here with maximum points."

Schumacher, the two-time series champion who won earlier this season in Australia, Brazil and Italy, had the lead until a 17.5-second pit stop after 41 of 65 laps. Slow refueling of his car gave the advantage to Hakkinen, who was in at the same time but out in just 6.5 seconds.

Schumacher, who wound up fifth, made three stops to only two for the McLarens. On Schumacher's first stop, chief mechanic Nigel Stepney was slightly injured when he was knocked down while trying to pull away as the fueling hose was being removed.

"I was sure I was going to win because there are no overtaking possibilities and I was controlling the race," Schumacher lamented of the first stop.

A decision to use a harder tire compound than his rivals also slowed the German driver.

His rival from Finland, who won for the 15th time but first since last fall in Japan, pulled within 14 points of Schumacher after the fifth of 17 races. Schumacher has 36 points to 22 for Hakkinen and 20 for Coulthard.

"It's a long way to the end of the season and anything can happen, and today was a good example," said Hakkinen, who averaged 121.990 mph on the 2.939-mile Circuit of Catalunya road course.

Hakkinen hopes the race is a turning oint in his pursuit of Schumacher.

"This week I have learned much more about this car," Hakkinen said. "I feel much more confident now."

Ferrari leads the constructors' standings with 49 points. McLaren has 42.

After Coulthard, came the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello. Ralf Schumacher, Michael's brother, was fourth in a Williams.

Jenson Button, the 20-year-old Williams rookie - who already has three points this season was in sixth position and ready to score yet another when he went out with engine failure with four laps remaining.

The final point went to Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who wound up sixth in a Jordan.

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