Coulthard Dominates Italian Gp

The decisive move came in the pits at the fastest Formula One circuit.

David Coulthard pitted just behind Jean Alesi but drove out first after 32 of 53 laps and went on to beat the Frenchman by 1.9 seconds in the Italian Grand Prix Sunday in Monza, Italy.

It was the second season victory, and the third of his career, for the British driver of McLaren-Mercedes who took advantage of his good start from the third row and from the quick teamwork in the pits.

Alesi, who was leading in his Benetton-Renault after starting from the pole position, was one of the last drivers to pit, and Coulthard, who was chasing him, was quick to follow.

Coulthard’s mechanics were about two seconds faster than Alesi’s team in changing tires and refueling the car, and the Briton raced into the lead, fighting off Alesi’s comeback attempts in the final 20 laps.

PPG Cart

Teammates Alex Zanardi and Jimmy Vasser picked up all the spoils in the Texaco-Havoline 300K at Monterey, Calif., with Vasser winning the race and Zanardi’s third-place finish clinching the PPG CART World Series championship.

It was a near reversal of last year’s race when Zanardi won, capturing rookie of the year, and Vasser won the title by finishing fourth.

Indy Lights

Brazilian rookie Cristiano da Matta took the lead on the first turn and went on to take his second consecutive victory in the 12th round of the PPG-Firestone Indy Lights Championship at Monterey, Calif.