1998 Argentine Grand Prix

The 1998 Argentine Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Autódromo Oscar Alfredo Gálvez, Buenos Aires on April 12, 1998. It was the third race of the 1998 Formula One season. The race, contested over 72 laps, was won by Michael Schumacher, and represented his first win of the season. The race was also notable as it was the last time (to date) there was an Argentine Grand Prix.

Race Summary
At the start of the race, Michael Schumacher was caught out by Mika Häkkinen, while David Coulthard maintained his first place. Schumacher passed Häkkinen at the start of the second lap. On the same lap Eddie Irvine overtook Heinz-Harald Frentzen. By lap 4, Schumacher caught up with Coulthard, and on the next lap the Scotsman took the wrong line, and Schumacher went past. The two cars touched, and Coulthard slid off the track, and rejoined in sixth place. The race then became one between Schumacher, stopping twice, and Häkkinen, on a one-stop strategy. Schumacher's plan proved to be the right one, as he emerged in front following his second stop, after Häkkinen lost time behind Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Behind Häkkinen and the two Ferraris, Jacques Villeneuve was under attack from Jean Alesi and Coulthard. When Esteban Tuero came into the pits, one of his tyres was missing. Eventually, one of the mechanics found it in the garage. Coulthard was slowed by gearbox problems and lost further ground when he tangled with Jacques Villeneuve, putting the Canadian out, while the Scot collected the solitary point for sixth place behind Eddie Irvine, Alexander Wurz and Sauber's Jean Alesi In the lead, Schumacher headed for victory.

Standings  after Grand Prix

 * Drivers'    Championship standings


 * Constructors'    Championship standings


 * Note:    Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.