JULY 5, 2000

Hakkinen ordered to rest by Dennis

MCLAREN boss Ron Dennis has told double world champion Mika Hakkinen to rest in order to restore his desire for success.

MCLAREN boss Ron Dennis has told double world champion Mika Hakkinen to rest in order to restore his desire for success.

Hakkinen has been left behind in this year's championship standings as team-mate David Coulthard and arch rival Michael Schumacher assume the battle for supremacy.

Dennis has informed the Finn to rest ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in an attempt to recapture his desire to claim a third successive world title this year.

"Mika is suffering a little psychologically," Dennis said. "It isn't any real concern but he needs to have a holiday. I've made mistakes in not backing off the drivers over their test duties.

"Their work is very hard at this stage of the season, so we've given Mika a long break. David will have his break after Austria in order to recuperate a little."

Hakkinen will not be present at McLaren's testing sessions at Mugello in Italy this week. Coulthard and test driver Olivier Panis are taking up the driving duties.