Hakkinen's F1 test 'not only fun'

Although Hakkinen is excited about his first drive in a contemporary Grand Prix car since the 2001 Japanese Grand Prix, he insists that there is not just an enjoyment factor about his run in a McLaren MP4-21 at the Circuit de Catalunya.

"It is not only fun," he said after arriving at the Barcelona circuit to watch the second day of testing. "You have to take a serious approach for the whole test. You cannot test and joke about it.

"I have to focus my mind to make a good day tomorrow. All the valuable information to the team is for the future. I think it is serious. Then they will make every note about it. They will investigate for the comments. It is going to influence the future. It is absolutely serious."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has said that Hakkinen's feedback from the test will be valuable to them as they bid to recover from their first win-less season since 1996.

Hakkinen could provide some answers about where improvements can be made with the MP4-21, which could prove beneficial for next year's MP4-22.

There also appears, however, to be a personal desire from Hakkinen to answer some question he has about how quick he can be in F1. Although the test is scheduled to just be a one-off, the man himself appears to be approaching it with a very open mind.

"Obviously I do have memories, understanding and feelings from when I used to race," continued Hakkinen. "I know roughly how it works, how the car is handling, braking, accelerating, cornering and the G-load.

"So that is going to be of the big tests for me - are they like what they used to be? Will it be more difficult or easier? I think the thing for me to answer is, if I am quick enough?

"That is not the purpose of the test though, logically like you have read for the press release."

Significantly,  Hakkinen points out that 'at the moment' he intends to remain in the DTM - perhaps hinting that he may feel different about his future after tomorrow's run.

"I will say again that it is difficult to say too much more," said Hakkinen. "I have no feeling about it yet. Obviously you guys want to understand if I am coming back to F1 or staying in the DTM...and at the moment the idea is the DTM. I can say that.

"F1, at the moment, is a big experience day to understand how the F1 car has changed over the last few years. It will be a great experience with the electronics and also using Bridgestone tyres again."