Rosberg: Mika's McLaren future safe

Double world champion Mika Hakkinen's manager Keke Rosberg says that there is no be doubt that the Finnish ace will continue to drive for the McLaren team next year

Speculation has been rife surrounding Hakkinen's future, with retirement and a move to Jaguar as possible options - as well as staying on with McLaren. But the 32-year-old is thought to have been holding out for a two-year deal with the Woking team, while team boss Ron Dennis was only offering one.

However, 1982 world champion Rosberg says there is no problem whatsoever with Hakkinen's McLaren contract and he will be back behind the wheel for his 10th season with the team next year.

"I would not be on a holiday at this moment if there was something unclear in Mika's agreement with McLaren," Rosberg told Finnish newspaper Italehti. "The fact that McLaren has not published its continuation agreement with Mika has nothing to do with Mika."

To date, this has been Hakkinen's worst season since 1997 and he currently lies fifth in the drivers' standings with 21 points, compared to team mate David Coulthard in second place on 51.

Coulthard has taken the fight to Schumacher in the championship this year while it has traditionally been Hakkinen who has led the McLaren charge. But Rosberg has rejected comments from Coulthard that he may have a different team mate next year.

"If David Coulthard does not at the moment know who his team-mate is," said Rosberg, "David must not know for which team he is driving next year."

Dennis echoed Rosberg's comments with regard to Hakkinen's future at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, by saying his 2002 driver line-up was well under control.

"We know exactly where we are going on our driver line up," said Dennis. "We know almost exactly to the day when we are intending to put out a press release and explain what our strategy is. As and when we are ready, we will tell everyone."