JULY 15, 2000
McLaren drivers free to race each other
MCLAREN boss Ron Dennis has confirmed his drivers will be free to fight for victory with no team orders at Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix despite colliding in the event last year.
Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard clashed at the second corner of the A1-Ring last year but Dennis said both drivers will be expected to go all out again for the win.
"The drivers are free to race and hopefully both will have a strong desire to come around on the first lap," said Dennis. "They know what is expected and do not need to be told."
Coulthard, who is hoping to close the 12-point gap on championship leader Michael Schumacher, said he will not be thinking about last year and will be driving as hard as ever.
"What happened last year between Mika and I can happen at any Grand Prix," said Coulthard. "I won't hesitate if I see any opportunity to overtake just because of what happened 12 months ago.
"I will be racing hard and that will be the same with Mika or anyone else on the track."