Ahead of this weekend’s action at Paul Ricard, we look back at one of the most exciting French Grands Prix in recent memory, which saw Heinz-Herald Frentzen seal the second of his three Formula 1 victories.
A wet qualifying session caused a mixed grid, as Rubens Barrichello made a good start from pole, ahead of the home favourite Jean Alesi in second. But it was David Coulthard who shone the brightest early on as he made a move past Barrichello for first on Lap 6 before an electrical issue forced him to retire from the race on Lap 10.
However, as heavy rain began to fall, a Safety Car was brought out due to too much standing water – with four drivers duly spinning behind it! After the restart, it was Michael Schumacher who was on the charge, as he briefly overtook Barrichello for the lead, before a slow pit stop took him out of the running.
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And after Barrichello and Hakkinen came into the pit lane, Frentzen and his Jordan team opted against a second stop, sending him into the lead of the Grand Prix which he would hold on to for the remainder of the race. Hakkinen and Barrichello joined him on the podium, with Schumacher forced to settle for fifth.
Click on the video player above to relive the action from a fascinating 1999 French Grand Prix, as we get set for this weekend’s racing at Paul Ricard.
