APRIL 2, 2001
McLaren chief Dennis elated with win
McLaren team chief Dennis was elated with Coulthard's win after he out-fought Schumacher at Interlagos and he said that the British driver should get the credit he deserves for the victory.
"When Michael doesn't win or get the result he wants he always has certain reasons he uses to explain why," said Dennis. "But I think now everybody should give David the credit he deserves. His race was outstanding."
Coulthard inherited the lead of the Brazil race after Schumacher had pitted and leader Juan Pablo Montoya crashed out in his BMW-Williams on lap 39.
Coulthard then lost the lead to Schumacher as the two drivers pitted for intermediate tires in the increasingly heavy rain, but regained the lead with a brave overtaking move at turn one on lap 50.
Coulthard moved away after Schumacher ran wide in the rain, which the German cited as a major contributing factor to his first defeat in seven races.
Schumacher said: "It did not work for us. The car was not working quite the way I liked it, which is why I had a couple of offs. That is not normal for me in these conditions."
Dennis, meanwhile, also welcomed the improved performance of the BMW-Williams team as their drivers Ralf Schumacher and Montoya produced impressive displays over the weekend. Ralf Schumacher qualified second and Montoya led the race for 36 laps.
"I am not surprised by Williams," said Dennis. "They are one of the great racing teams and they are always going to fight back. They are going to get better and better. We have to realize we have a fight on our hands with them."