Ave !!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3564794.stm
Had Williams not become aware of their chance to sign Jenson Button, the team would have snapped up double world champion Mika Hakkinen, a source says.
The 35-year-old Finn, who retired in 2001, was close to signing for Williams when the opportunity to sign Button arose.
Hakkinen, who seems to be keen on a comeback, could still race in F1 next season, taking the BAR seat that Button is to vacate.
If Hakkinen does end up at BAR next season, that could leave his former team-mate David Coulthard's future in doubt.
The Scot will be replaced at McLaren by Juan Pablo Montoya next year and his options are narrowing.
BAR boss David Richards is understood to be keen on Coulthard if he loses Jenson Button, but engine supplier Honda is less so.
Coulthard also has a chance at Jaguar, but the future of that team remains unclear and it is unlikely to have the budget to allow it to move up the grid next season. Coulthard's only other chance appears to be Sauber.
But the Swiss team, effectively a satellite Ferrari outfit, are said to be poised to give Formula 3000 championship leader Vitantonio Liuzzi a drive.
Ferrari 'seek Liuzzi deal'
Liuzzi is believed to be joining Ferrari on a long-term deal that could see him promoted to the world champion team in the future.
- Oho -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3564794.stm
Had Williams not become aware of their chance to sign Jenson Button, the team would have snapped up double world champion Mika Hakkinen, a source says.
The 35-year-old Finn, who retired in 2001, was close to signing for Williams when the opportunity to sign Button arose.
Hakkinen, who seems to be keen on a comeback, could still race in F1 next season, taking the BAR seat that Button is to vacate.
If Hakkinen does end up at BAR next season, that could leave his former team-mate David Coulthard's future in doubt.
The Scot will be replaced at McLaren by Juan Pablo Montoya next year and his options are narrowing.
BAR boss David Richards is understood to be keen on Coulthard if he loses Jenson Button, but engine supplier Honda is less so.
Coulthard also has a chance at Jaguar, but the future of that team remains unclear and it is unlikely to have the budget to allow it to move up the grid next season. Coulthard's only other chance appears to be Sauber.
But the Swiss team, effectively a satellite Ferrari outfit, are said to be poised to give Formula 3000 championship leader Vitantonio Liuzzi a drive.
Ferrari 'seek Liuzzi deal'
Liuzzi is believed to be joining Ferrari on a long-term deal that could see him promoted to the world champion team in the future.
- Oho -