h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

For the first two thirds of the Japanese Grand Prix, it looked like business as usual. Mika Hakkinen had qualified in second place behind Michael Schumacher for the third year running, but Michael's almost unexpected attempt to force Mika off the track by simply driving sideways into him from the start line failed, and the Finn swept past into the lead, which he managed to hold on to for most of the race - but, importantly, not all. After avoiding what seemed an inevitable collision while lapping Riccardo Zonta, Schumacher stayed out a vital three laps longer than Hakkinen before making his second pit stop, and the Ferrari team's impressive six second refuelling and tyre change allowed him to return to the track ahead of Hakkinen. Mika was unable to catch up, thus handing the race and the championship to Michael Schumacher. The entire Ferrari team went crazy, Schumacher managed not to cry at the press conference, Hakkinen was even able to force out something which vaguely resembled a smile, and everyone else shrugged and went home mumbling something about there always being next year..

*waves Ferrari flag singing*
"He is the champion, no time for loosing because he is the champion...of the world"

But for the record he raced extremely fairly, made one move across the racing line as permitted and I didn't shrug just cried and grinned
Btw maybe you can answer why DC was so down in the press conference as even Hakkinen pretended to be happy?

I have to say I think Schumi's made pretty good ground in restoring his rep since the Villeneuve affair sort of removed any doubts over the Hill incident as well.

Both he and Hakkinen have been really sporting this season, and yes, Schumacher is too aggressive but so was Senna. You'll notice that he doesn't push Mika or DC or Jacques to crashpoint any more because he knows they won't give way - so at least he's developing some respect for them. And you have to take your hat off to his car control.

And it's a bonus this year to see Mika so relaxed and much more talkative than he's ever been before - now there's no doubt who the dullest member of the MacLaren team is...

All in all, it's pretty good to see a Ferrari champion again...