F1: McLaren-Hakkinen 1997 announcement

• Alan.Perry@Eng.Sun.COM (Alan Perry)
• MNI - Motorsport News International
• Tue Sep 17 05:45:58 EDT 1996

Mika Hakkinen to drive McLaren-Mercedes in 1997

Stuttguart/Woking - 13th September 1996.  Mika Hakkinen will compete in
his third Formula One season in a McLaren-Mercedes and will team up
with David Coulthard in 1997.  This decision was taken following a
final discussion between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart on
Wednesday this week.

"Just in the last two Grand Prix at Spa and Monza Mika has again proved
his talent," said Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Manager Norbert Haug, "Mika
was an example for reliability and speed, he finished in 12 of the 14
Grand Prix, was ten times in the points and on the podium three times
in the last five races."

Ron Dennis commented: "Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have throughout this
season conducted an extensive and detailed evaluation so as to
determine the best possible choice of driver for the one available seat
in a McLaren-Mercedes for 1997.  The firm conclusion of all involved in
this study was that the team should continue with Mika 'Hakkinen for
1997.  I have always felt that Mika has the talent and commitment to be
a World Champion.  Mika's performance this year, especially following
his accident in Adelaide last year, has only served to increase my
belief in his potential.  Mika's performances in the last two Grand
Prix have been particularly impressive and would have seen Mika placed
even higher than third but for a combination of unfortunate
circumstances.  McLaren and Mercedes will continue to do all possible
to enable him to fulfill his potential."

Mika Hakkenin added: "I am delighted.  We have already achieved a great
deal after only two years together in developing the engine chassis
combination and I firmly believe that we are now extremely close to our
first Grand Prix victory.  I have enjoyed working with and competing
against David this year and look forward to next year in the
McLaren-Mercedes team.  My objective will be to reward McLaren and
Mercedes' loyalty to me in the best possible manner which is to win as
many races as I can."

The McLaren-Mercedes team have considered a number of drivers to form
the driver line-up in 1997.  Ralf Schumacher, the 21 year old brother
of the World Champion Michael Schumacher, achieved an impressive
performance in two track tests held at Silverstone.  Whilst the team
offered Ralf the opportunity to test in 1997, it understands his desire
to secure a seat within another Formula One team.  "Whils we would very
much like to work with Ralf both now and in the future, we wish him
every success in his search for a suitable opportunity in Formula One"
added Norbert Haug."