F1 News 1999-10-14

Hakkinen speaks on Schumacher's return

Mika Hakkinen has been talking about the return of Michael Schumacher for the last two races of the season.

"I think it is good he is back before we end the season. I don't see that is a threat" but he also said that he thought that the German "should have stayed home, to be honest"

He went on to say that he didn't care if Schumacher won on Sunday. "It's all right. As long as it is not Eddie. I just have to score more points than Eddie."

Mika went on to make light of the weather forecasts for Sunday. "Bridgestone have designed tyres for the heavy rain. So it should be okay."

Schumacher passes fitness test

Michael Schumacher has been passed fit by Sid Watkins, the FIA medical delegate.

"He is a very successful and tough guy. It's not surprising that he is able to return to Formula One action" said Sid.

Walkinshaw talks about next season

Tom Walkinshaw, at the International Motor Show in Sydney, has spoken again about next season

He again re-iterated that there would be "no excuses" if they didn't perform next season. He is still expected to sign up de la Rosa for next season, but Takagi's place within the team once again looks shaky. "Tora is very quick over a single lap but he lacks consistency over a race distance" said Tom. He did, however, concede that there aren't many potential race winners available, and fewer still prepared to sign for his squad.

Schumacher clarifies Irvine position

Michael Schumacher has been speaking to reporters about his role within Ferrari now that he has returned for the last two Grand Prix.

"Lets make it very clear I am first of all driving for the team and not in the interests of Eddie. The only way I can help Eddie is if I'm in front of him, then I'll let him by. That is very clear. If that is not the case, he has to manage himself and we have to manage together to score maximum points for the manufacturers' championship.

"I feel I can win the race. I feel very good inside. In qualifying I am 100 per cent but I am not sure whether I will feel different in a long race. For sure it will be difficult for me to race flat out from the first lap to the last."

He also refuted allegations that pressure has been put on him to return by Luca di Montezemolo:

"I think I'm independent to make my own decision. I do not need anyone to make suggestions"

Brands awaits planning approval

It has been reported that Brands Hatch will find out next week if they are going to get planning permission for the changes required to host the British Grand Prix.

Hockenheim asked for changes

The FIA has approached the Hockenheim circuit to request major changes to the circuit.

The new circuit required by the FIA would have to be less fast, and have more corners and curves. The area under discussion is betwen the first and third chicanes.

December testing calendar

The calendar for testing in December has been revealed: Dec 1-3 Spain (Jerez) Dec 8-10 Portugal (Estoril) Dec 15-17 Spain (Barcelona)

McLaren and Ferrari to test between GPs

McLaren and Ferrari are to test between the Malaysian and Japanese Grand Prix. McLaren is to test at Magny Cours, whilst Ferrari is expected to test at Fiorano. -- Stephen M Baines