Sunday, July 11, 1999 Published at 15:36 GMT 16:36 UK
Formula one-two for UK
David Coulthard: First home winner since 1995
David Coulthard led a UK one-two in an incident-packed Grand Prix at Silverstone to become the first home winner since Johnny Herbert's triumph in 1995.
Home success thrilled fans in a 100,000 crowd on a glorious afternoon.
But the race was marred when Michael Schumacher broke his right leg on the aborted first lap, ruling him out of at least the next three races.
The German was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital for an operation after his Ferrari skidded off the track on a bend at more than 150mph and thumped into a safety barrier.
David Wilson, the hospital's chief executive, said: "The operation was successful and he is now recovering on the ward. We expect to keep him in overnight."
After the race, Coulthard said: "I feel absolutely fantastic.
"When I realised the team got me out in front of Eddie I knew I could win.
"It was more nerve-wracking than at any time in my career because it has been such a long time without a win.
"This is definitely the best feeling I have had in my career. This is the one race win I would always trade for any other win."
The Scot in a McLaren took his chance after a mid-race reshuffle which saw race leader Mika Hakkinen moving into the pits, allowing Irvine to take the lead for the first time.
But the Finn developed a mechanical problem, and soon after emerging from the pits was overtaken by his team-mate.
Hakkinen, for once experiencing the mechanical problems that have blighted his Scottish team-mate's season, had to go into the pits again for a 28-second stop and dropped to 11th.
Hakkinen's race effectively ended minutes later when his left rear wheel suddenly flew off.
Hakkinen went into the pits on three wheels to have a new tyre fitted but emerged this time back in 17th spot.
Officials were forced to deploy the safety car again when Jacques Villeneuve's race ended as he parked his British American Racing car along the home straight.
That allowed Irvine to close right up on Coulthard as Hakkinen was forced to make another charge from the back of the field.
Hakkinen's race finally came to an end of lap 37 when he was forced to retire.
Despite not finishing the race, Hakkinen retains the season points total lead with 40, followed by Schumacher with 32.
Irvine moves up to 32 points with Frentzen on 26 and Coulthard moving into fifth place with 22 points.
Ralf Schumacher has 19 in sixth place and now a real chance to overtake his brother, who looks sure to miss the next few races.
Schumacher's crash came as the red flag appeared after two cars stalled off the starting line.
The front end of his Ferrari folded up severely as it hit a three-layer deep tire barrier - a recent addition at Silverstone and one of several changes at the track to improve safety.
Starting position in brackets, followed by driver, home country, make of car and laps completed.
Time of race: 1:32:30.144.
Formula 1 Contents