Mclaren rule out Mika return

By Natasha Jay
November 15 2006

Mclaren's CEO emphatically squashed rumours circulating in the F1 paddock since the Brazilian grand prix, that former double world champion, Mika Hakkinen would return to Mclaren to partner double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Although he did admit Hakkinen may have some involvement with the team in 2007, he was quick to state that the role would not be as driver.

"Mika has been in the simulator and, following his visit to Brazil, wished to understand if he could contribute to our programme," Whitmarsh said.

"We currently have no plans to run Mika alongside Alonso next year. The identity of our second driver will be announced in due course."