Mika guns for two in a row

But Hakkinen indicated for the first time he would follow team orders if asked to give way to team mate and title long-shot David Coulthard. The Scot trails Schumacher by 37 points, with a maximum of just 60 still available.

The 'Flying Finn' scored his first victory of the season at the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, ending an 11-month win drought. He arrives at Mercedes' home circuit having twice started the race from pole in the last four years - and winning in 1998.

But statistically, Germany is boom or bust for the former double world champion. He has failed to finish six times in the last 10 years, but taken a podium in each of the other four races.

"The idea, of course, is to come here and win the Grand Prix - the whole team, me and David," said Hakkinen, whose previous best finish this season had been third in Canada. "But I suppose all the other drivers have more or less the same thinking.

"It was obviously difficult at Silverstone and I believe it is going to be harder here to do the same thing. But we have had a successful test in Monza since and we are obviously happy with our performance.

"I am confident of coming here with a car which is quick," he added. "Whether it is going to be quick enough, I don't know. I am going for the win - unless the team say otherwise."

Hakkinen is fifth in the drivers' championship and already out of the title chase because he trails Schumacher by 65 points with just 60 remaining.