Hakkinen Considering a Comeback, Says Dennis

Former champion Mika Hakkinen is considering making a Formula One comeback, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Saturday.

Hakkinen, who retired at the end of 2001, won two world titles with McLaren and his old team boss remains a close friend.

Asked at the British Grand Prix whether the 35-year-old Finn might be considering what would be a sensational return, possibly with rivals Williams, Dennis chose his words carefully but revealed there had been a discussion.

"I have met with Mika, we had a long conversation and I can honestly say that not only do I not know but I don't think he knows either," he said. "It is something that he is reflecting on.

"We discussed everything, and the decision and timing of anything in Mika's career is his and there isn't anybody or any company or any individual impeding that. Mika sought my opinion, I gave him my opinion and he went back to Finland to consider the position."

Ferrari's six times World Champion Michael Schumacher rated Hakkinen as his greatest rival when they were racing together and the Finn - champion in 1998 and 1999 - remains the last driver to beat the German to the crown.

Williams are looking for two new drivers for 2005 after Germany's Ralf Schumacher announced this week that he was joining Toyota and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya signed for McLaren alongside Finland's Kimi Raikkonen.

Team boss Frank Williams was evasive when asked about any interest however.

"Mika may have talked to quite a few people, not necessarily us," he said. "We don't talk about drivers until they are done."

Several former champions have made comebacks in the past, notably Austrian Niki Lauda and France's Alain Prost returning to win titles with McLaren and Williams respectively after taking time out.

Dennis has previously suggested that a return by Hakkinen, who quit saying that he wanted to spend more time with his young family and feared getting hurt the longer he stayed, would be unlikely.

Former teammate David Coulthard also dismissed the speculation when it surfaced last May: "He'll sit back and enjoy the rumours but he will not race in Formula One again," the Briton declared at the Nurburgring.

"It would be good for the sport if he did but there's no way Mika is coming back. There's no doubt in my mind."