Hakkinen aims to break Belgian duck

Mika Hakkinen plans to put an end to his miserable record at Spa-Francorchamps as he sets his sights on retaking the lead in the world championship

The Finn has never won in seven visits to the famous Belgian Grand Prix track.

His best result was second place to Damon Hill in 1994 in his first full season as a McLaren driver.

'It is not a problem never having won here,' said the world champion who trails Eddie Irvine of Ferrari by two points with five races remaining.

'There are a couple of other circuits where I hadn't won this year and I did.

'I am here to do the maximum and let's see what happens.

'My championship campaign is not going according to the way I planned. If it was I would be 30 points ahead.

'But certainly the teamwork has been progressing. The last test at Silverstone was very good.

'I don't see why we shouldn't perform well here and for the rest of the season.

Hakkinen is certainly not missing injured arch-rival Michael Schumacher, who called off an expected return at this weekend's race and is now slated to return in a fortnight at the Italian Grand Prix.

'Michael is a double world champion so obviously he is a very challenging competitor on the circuit and he has not been here so obviously my life has been easier.'