For the 1999 season, Ferrari was openly aiming for the drivers' world title, which had eluded them since 1979. After five wins in 1997 and six in 1998, Michael Schumacher really seemed capable of bringing the much-desired title back to Maranello. The car, the F399, was powered by a 3000cc engine and 790 horsepower and was designed by the formidable Byrne-Brawn couple. Unfortunately an accident at Silverstone kept Schumacher out of the races for several weeks and Irvine took over the role of first driver, with Salo taking over from the German. Schumacher returned to Sepang and Irvine fought for the drivers' title at the last race in Japan, but had to surrender to Hakkinen at the wheel of the McLaren.