JUNE 6, 2001

Hakkinen hoping for improvements

FINN Mika Hakkinen is already counting down the races in this year's world championship hoping that he remains within mathematical possibility of re-gaining his world crown.

Hakkinen started the season with disappointment and continued through the first seven races in a similar vein, but now, like in every other race this season, he is doing everything he can to turn the tide.

"There are still ten races in the championship and the whole team has been working very hard to ensure that we optimize the performance and reliability of the car after the problems experienced so far this season," said Hakkinen.

But it could soon be time for team orders at McLaren with team-mate David Coulthard some 36 points ahead of the Finn.

And Coulthard is pushing once again to open up that gap on his team-mate and close the one on his rival Michael Schumacher in a bid to claim the title.

"I am looking forward to the race," said Coulthard. "Following last week's positive test session I am looking forward to continuing my consistent record of finishing in the points at every race so far this season."