Saturday March 11th, 2000

By Julian Linden

Sunday's season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix could once again be decided by the short dash to the first corner after world champion Mika Hakkinen refused to rule out a repeat of controversial McLaren's team tactics.

Hakkinen and his McLaren teammate David Coulthard have an understanding that whoever wins the race to the first corner should have right of way for the rest of the race.

It's a tactic designed to ensure that the two drivers don't collide with each other while jostling for the lead, but has been criticised by other teams as race fixing.

Although neither driver would discuss the team's race tactics after Saturday's qualifying session, Hakkinen refused to discount the possibility of another agreement.

"There are always tactics and planning prepared before the race," said Hakkinen, who is chasing his third straight driver's title.

"I wouldn't call them orders, but we will have tactics to help the team, to get the best possible results from the Grand Prix."

The issue was raised after Hakkinen and Coulthard qualified first and second fastest for Sunday's race for the third year running.

Two years ago, McLaren came under attack after Coulthard slowed down while leading the 1998 Australian Grand Prix to let Hakkinen pass him within sight of the chequered flag.

The flying Finn explained at the time that Coulthard had been obliged to let him pass after he had won the race to the first corner.

Hakkinen surrendered his lead during a mid-race pit-stop but was handed victory in the final laps thanks to his team mate.

Like Hakkinen, Coulthard was reluctant to discuss the tactics after Saturday's qualifying session, diverting attention to the race.

"I never look back, I always look forward," the Scot said.