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Champion: Mika Häkkinen. The McLaren team went to Melbourne for the opening round of the 1998 FIA Formula One Championship and drew a line so deep that it left the rest looking into a infinate abyss, while fans sighed with disillusionment at the prospect of a one horse race. That was until Argentina when Schumacher, a knight in shining red fireproofs, saddled up his prancing stallion and leapt the precipice taking the fight to Mika Häkkinen and McLaren. There began the toughest technical, physical and psychological battle ever witnessed in Formula One history.
As quicky as Mika Häkkinen could pull out a lead, Micheal Schumacher reeled him back with sensational drives in Canada and France and strategic drives in Argentina and Hungary, until two rounds to go, they were even on points. The Championship went down to the final race in Japan where Mika, McLaren and Mercedes took the honours. But there were no losers, Michael's gallant season long charge made for awesome viewing and a mignificent year.
The Championship battle inspired and held our attention, but there were other notables including Jordan coming of age when Damon Hill returned to his winning ways at a wet Spa taking their first vicotry. Bridgestone not only took their first win but also their first Championship, while young guns Giancarlo Fisichella, Ralph Schumacher and Alexander Wurz left spectators with the impression that the sport's future is in exciting hands. In addition to welcoming the new, the 1998 season sadly saw the departure of Ken Tyrrell and Goodyear tyres.
This review highlights the very best of the action from all 16 races using digital TV footage previously only seen as pay-per-view broadcast and includes a season preview, post-race analysis, exclusive driver interviews, exclusive in-car footage, news and informed commentary not available anywhere else.
Running time: 130 minutes
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