Hakkinen gunning for four-in-a-row in Spain

The double world champion has dominated the Circuit de Catalunya race since 1998 and is hoping history will repeat itself, despite a lacklustre start to this season which is threatening to run into his longest losing streak since the winning began in 1997.

The McLaren-Mercedes ace has not won a race since his spectacular overtaking move on Michael Schumacher to take victory in the Belgian Grand Prix eight months ago.

"I have a successful record at Barcelona, having won the past three races, which I am hoping to extend this season," said Hakkinen, who lies seventh in the drivers' championship with just four points from four races. "The results so far this year have not been ideal for me. However, the championship is still a very open situation.

"No one is too far ahead and there are still plenty of points to be scored," he added. "I hope my championship starts here."

Despite trailing championship leaders Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard by 22 points, Hakkinen is confident he can reduce the deficit and challenge for a third world crown.

"Last year gives me the confidence," he continued. "After four rounds then, I was trailing by the same amount of points. It shows that if you maintain speed and consistency you can be there at the end of the season, even though having such a big gap at the moment it is very difficult."

Hakkinen also believes team mate David Coulthard's startling start to the season is positive for the McLaren team.

He said: "It is encouraging in one sense. David has had a fantastic start to the season, finishing all the races and being on the podium every time and winning in Brazil. That is fantastic for the team and for him.

"The result has given the team a lot of motivation and they have found solutions to make the McLaren handle better."