West McLaren-Mercedes announced today that both David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen will remain with the team for the 1999 Formula One season. Jurgen Hubbert, Mercedes Daimler-Benz's member of the board, made the announcement shortly after the two McLaren drivers qualified on the front row of the grid for tomorrow's German Grand Prix.

"Today is a very special occasion", said Hubbert, "this is the home Grand Prix for Mercedes-Benz and I am glad to announce the driver line-up for next year. Mika and David have proved their worth in past seasons and in addition to their performance on the track they are supported and admired by the entire Daimler-Benz workforce."

The announcement ended a month long of speculations on whether David Coulthard would actually stay with McLaren. Today he said: "I am proud to be part of the team for the fourth year running. I respect Mika (Hakkinen) and whilst I hope to beat him on every occasion, it is good to have such strong competition within the team. I strongly believe that as a driver, my best is ahead of me". Hakkinen too commented, saying he is to continue with the team.

"Naturally I am very pleased that I will continue to drive for the team next year", said the Finnish driver, currently leading the Formula One World Championship. "We have had a great past and we have an even better future. Further more, the relationship between David and me is exceptional. We have both lifted our game this year and we are determined that this will continue in the future".

After the announcement was made today, Ron Dennis, McLaren's team boss, said to the press that "the team spirit and consistency of both David and Mika this season has played a key part in our decisions. We are fortunate to have two top drivers in our team and there is every indication that they are only going to get even better. We are looking forward to a competitive end of season and we have, of course, got our sights on the World Championship".

Norbert Haug, Mercedes sporting director, who recently admitted to have had negotiations with Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, also congratulated Hakkinen and Coulthard today, saying: "I am delighted to have David and Mika as our team pairing for the fourth consecutive year. The team has always supported these guys and today they are stronger drivers than ever. I expect them to develop even further and their respective performances during the last race in Austria proved what they are capable of doing".