Hakkinen to attend Barcelona test

Hakkinen has spent a lot of time recently in McLaren's simulator in Woking and sources have told autosport.com that the Finn is due to attend this week's test at Barcelona in Spain tomorrow.

It has not been confirmed, however, whether it is simply to spectate or to actually drive. There is speculation though that Hakkinen will get to try out a McLaren either in Barcelona this week or at Jerez next week.

Speaking to the Spanish press, Hakkinen has said that he would be keen to develop some official role with the team - although denied anything had been decided. Hakkinen also made it clear that he still fully intends to compete in the DTM next season - which probably rules out a full-time job at McLaren.

"It's only rumours," said Hakkinen to Marca about him having an official job with McLaren. "My goal is still to race in the DTM, but if McLaren call me to help them I'll do it with great pleasure."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said last week that his team were looking at ways for Hakkinen to get involved with the team - and suggested that he would be used to evaluate new parts and development programmes

"He is keen to understand what he can and can't contribute to our programme," said Dennis.

"He has spent quite a few hours in our simulator. Initially that was because he wanted to see how real the experience was, how the car felt and what is was like to drive a Grand Prix car using advanced simulation technology which is what I think we have. And it will be followed up by more support."