Hakkinen on comeback trail?

Dennis, commenting on whether he thought Hakkinen would return to the arena that saw him win back-to-back world titles with McLaren in 1998-99, said: "I met him and had a long chat and not only do I not know, but he doesn't know either."

Dennis, who has been reported to have an understanding with the Finn that if he does return, it will be with McLaren, emphasised that there is nothing standing in his way if he does want to make a comeback. McLaren, of course, already has Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya under contract for 2005.

"I stress that no company, no individual, nobody, is impeding whatever Mika decides to do," Dennis said. "We discussed everything and both the discussion and the timing of any decision he might make is purely his. He sought an opinion, I gave it, as a friend, and he went back to Finland to consider it."

Hakkinen was linked with Williams earlier in the season and asked about any recent developments, Frank Williams said: "I think Mika may have talked to a number of people but not necessarily us."

Not necessarily? Cue coy grin from Sir Frank...