This Could be My Last Race, Says Hakkinen

Finn Mika Hakkinen has revealed that he is not sure he will return to racing in Formula One after his sabbatical year in 2002.

The two-time World Champion announced earlier this season that he will not race next year in order to spend more time with his family and many believe the McLaren driver will not return from his break. On Friday, Hakkinen admitted he might not come back to racing.

"Every time you get in a F1 car it is a special feeling," Hakkinen said. "It is my last Grand Prix for a long time, maybe forever, I don't know myself yet.

"What I am definitely planning to do is to take it easy and experience time with the family and have a lot of good times with them - and stay in one place for a long time. I want to get the feeling of waking in the morning hungry to do something."

But Hakkinen, who was fourth quickest in today's practice for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, suggested he would be competitive if he decides to return in 2003, and revealed that McLaren would him give the chance to test their car.

"There have been a couple of examples of drivers who have come back and done tremendous job," he added. "I see no problem at all in that and being member of McLaren they have given me the opportunity to test a car if I decide to come back."