Going into the race, Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher led the Drivers' Championship with 46 points, ahead of Mika Häkkinen on 28 points and his teammate David Coulthard with 24 points. Rubens Barrichello was fourth on 16 points while Ralf Schumacher was fifth on 12 points. In the Constructors' Championship Ferrari were leading with 62 points, with their rivals McLaren second on 52 points. Williams were third on 15 points while Benetton with 10 points and Jordan on 9 points contended for fourth place. McLaren and Ferrari had so far taken command of the championship, winning the previous six races. Championship competitors Barrichello and Fisichella had gained second place podium finishes while Ralf Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen had achieved third place podium finishes.