MAY 21, 2001

Hakkinen ready for reliability benefits

FINN Mika Hakkinen is refusing to predict an end to his dismal run of form in the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

Hakkinen has scored just four points in the championship in the opening six races of the season, and the McLaren driver is reluctant to predict an outcome for Sunday's race.

Hakkinen said: "The team has had a positive test session in Valencia this past week, the car was quick and reliable, and I am looking forward to driving the car round the streets of Monte Carlo."

"I always enjoy racing at Monaco. It is a very individual circuit, steeped in history, that offers different challenges to any of the other tracks on the calendar.

Hakkinen's team-mate David Coulthard is ready to land back-to-back wins in Monaco and underline his title credentials in style in the principality.

"Last year's race was very special to me," Coulthard said. "Along with the majority of drivers, Monaco is one of the tracks where I had always wanted to win.

"I am aiming to do the same this year, and in Austria we once again demonstrated the speed of the car and the excellent strategy capabilities of the team. We need to be at that level again in Monaco."