Hakkinen Hoping to Leave F1 in Style

Finn Mika Hakkinen is aiming to score his third victory of the 2001 season at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, before taking a break from racing next year.

The two-time World Champion finally returned to the top of the podium at the United States Grand Prix ten days ago, and the McLaren driver is now confident he can repeat the result at Suzuka this weekend, in order to bow out in style at the track where he clinched both his titles in 1998 and 1999.

"Following the fantastic result at Indianapolis, I am very much looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix, which has been a special event for me since I claimed my two Drivers' World Championship titles there," said Hakkinen.

"As the last race before I take my sabbatical year, I will be going flat out to try and secure a hat-trick of victories for 2001 and hopefully put on an exciting race for my loyal fans."

Hakkinen, who scored his 20th Grand Prix win in 164 starts at Indianapolis, is currently in fifth place in the drivers' standings.