Hakkinen: Paffett deserves F1 chance

Paffett is set to test for McLaren this winter as a prize for capturing the DTM crown this year. And after shining in previous tests for the Mercedes-Benz powered team in 2002 and 2003, Paffett has every chance of impressing the outfit again to put himself in the frame for further runs.

And Hakkinen, who also drives for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM, is adamant that Paffett has what it takes to succeed in F1.

"I think he definitely deserves to have a chance at F1," Hakkinen told Autosport. "He has kicked ass really well in the DTM, which is a tough environment. If he can manage the DTM, then I think he can manage F1.

"Gary is a mature guy for his age and he is very skilled. He is very consistent, always maximising his performance. What is the most important aspect is that he doesn't make many mistakes."

Although it is too late for Paffett to land an F1 race seat for 2006, with all the front-running drives already sewn up, he admits his target is on making the jump a year later.

"Ideally, I would like to be an F1 test driver in 2006 and get a race seat in 2007," he said.