Mika sets Hungarian GP D-Day

Hakkinen, who has managed to score just eight points in eight races, said today (Wednesday) that he is still hungry to win races and will do his utmost in the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring this weekend.

"At the moment I'm going to every race weekend to try and win it," he said. "But if we're in the same situation in four races time, then maybe I'll think something different."

Hakkinen told a press conference last week that he would have no hesitation in ignoring team orders if he was leading and told to move aside for team mate Coulthard.

"I would go flat out and win it," he stated. "I have to win. That's what I'm paid for and that's what the team expects me to do. That's what I'm trying to do."

The former world champion says he's finding it tough to play the role of also-ran in the title race, but he believes he can turn his fortunes around and build on his recent third place in the Canadian GP.

"I've been in the business a long time and this is a very trying situation," admitted the Finn. "I'm still heading in the direction to win the championship. I understand how competitive it is but, at the same time, maybe in four races things might be different.

"I can win it. I know how to win it and the team is definitely getting stronger and better. There's no reason not to win races, and if others are unlucky then there's an opportunity to score a lot of points. There are nine races still to go, I have to believe in winning."