November News Digest - IV

The end of November saw the news that Hakkinen confirmed about his return in 2003. He said that he would certainly be returning to the Formula One scene, much to the delight of his numerous fans. Hakkinen said he would be looking to take up from where he had left in 2001, with the Woking based team of Mclaren, but knew that the driver lineup for Mclaren in 2002, has Scotsman David Coulthard and young Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who are both under long-term contracts. He said it would be a very tough decision for team principal Ron Dennis to make when he announces his return to the sport. Hakkinen also said that he has been asked by Coulthard to test in 2002, but still was unsure about it as he is enjoying his break. He added that it would be a daunting task when he returns as he would have to cope up with the electronic development taking place throughout the year. He plans to keep himself informed of that aspect in 2002 during his break which would facilitate an easier return in 2003.

Hakkinen has been a double time World Champion in 1998 and 1999 with Mclaren-Mercedes and was very much impressive in 2000. In 2001 however, a series of mechanical faults and engine breakdowns, especially the Spanish Grand Prix, where his engine expired on the last lap, led him to take this decision of a sabbatical. Meanwhile Ferrari Boss, Jean Todt was quoted as saying that although Hakkinen returns in 2003, he won't be bothering the then existing F1 lineup due to the simple fact that he would be aging. He indirectly said that Eddie Irvine and Mika Hakkinen would be 37 and 35 respectively in 2003 and wouldn't bother the other drivers.

More news from Mclaren, test driver Alexander Wurz has warned new recruit, Kimi Raikkonen that life won't be easy at Mclaren. He was quoted as saying that Raikkonen needs to perform in order to be in the limelight and preserve his seat. It is said that Alex Wurz was all set to be included in the driver lineup for 2002, when Hakkinen announced his year sabbatical, but Mclaren recruited Kimi Raikkonen from Sauber. The young driver had made history when he entered Formula One with just 23 professional races under his belt. Kimi was handed a provisional super-license due to this inexperience of his. But he answered his critics right away in the very first Formula One Grand Prix at Melbourne when he finished with the points. And ending the year with some superb performances, he earned himself a place at the current second best team in F1.

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