Mika Hakkinen turned the slow-burn of his season into a explosive challenge for a third consecutive Formula One drivers' title as he took a decisive victory at yesterday's Hungarian Grand Prix, shunting Michael Schumacher from the top of the table for the first time this year.
The Finn made his move to the front of the title race in double quick time, blasting his McLaren away from third on the grid to bypass David Coulthard and pole-winner Schumacher as the trio exited the first corner.
From there the defending champion's blistering pace in conditions almost as searing was untouchable, and with Schumacher languishing eight seconds behind, desperately attempting to fend of a challenge from David Coulthard, the McLaren number one crossed the finish line to a thunderous reception from the stands full of fellow Finns who each year turn Hungary into Helsinki for this weekend.
"I am extremely happy to win here and take the lead in the championship," he said. "I knew that the start would be crucial, because it's almost impossible to overtake on this circuit. But it worked here, and once I had the lead I was comfortable throughout the race.
"The team did a fantastic job this weekend. The car was just very, very fast."
Hakkinen now moves two points clear of Schumacher in the pursuit of the title on 64 points, with McLaren team-mate David Coulthard on 58 points.
The vault into the championship lead will come as something of relief to Hakkinen, whose early season had been characterised by less than spectacular racing and accusations that he lacked the motivation to challenge for a third consecutive title, a feat which hasn't been achieved since 1955 when Juan Manuel Fangio took the third of a four-title run.
With Rubens Barrichello a solid fourth and Ralf Schumacher scoring again for Williams with two points in fifth, it was left to Jordan's Heinz Harald Frentzen to claim the remaining point, something of a welcome oasis in a season that has been desert dry for the team.
The German admitted it was all he felt the team were capable of on the unforgiving twists and turns of the Hungaroring. "Today's result was good and probably the maximum we could achieve today," he said.
"Everything worked without any problems and I was able to hold my qualifying position and win a point. It was without doubt one of the toughest races of the year, physically, so it's good to come away having earned something."
With Jarno Trulli seventh, it was a positive day for Jordan as the team contemplate a return in two weeks to the scene of their first victory at Spa.
It was also a good afternoon for Eddie Irvine, the Irishman bringing home his Jaguar to eighth place. "It's probably one of the best races I've ever driven without reward," said Irvine of the race.