Friday March 15th, 2002

Formula One driver Mika Hakkinen has a deal to return to racing next year with McLaren, but all depends on whether the Finn feels fit enough to come back, his former manager was quoted as saying on Friday.

"The deal is done. Everything depends on whether Mika is interested in returning. He himself barely knows," Keke Rosberg said in the Finnish tabloid newspaper Iltalehti.

Neither Rosberg nor McLaren could immediately be reached to confirm the report.

Twice World Champion Hakkinen took a break from racing in 2002 to spend more time with his family, giving up his spot at McLaren to younger compatriot Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen, who is paired with Scot David Coulthard, impressed in his first race in Australia a couple of weeks ago, finishing third.

Rosberg, Formula One champion in 1982, also told Iltalehti he and Hakkinen had amicably parted ways after 15 years together.

"We pushed forward for close to 15 years. Often laughing, but sometimes crying and grinding teeth," Rosberg said.

"We agreed on this in December. I had already noticed in Mika some signs of distress. I believe that he feels freer at the moment and our relationship will improve," said Rosberg, who said he had always played the role of "boss" to Hakkinen.

"Mika has not had time for anything else but to compete, but now the situation is different. It's only natural that he looks around for new challenges and no longer feels he needs my help."

"Mika surely has big plans. Without a doubt, when he carries them out he will also encounter difficulties, but on the other hand that will only educate him," said Rosberg.

Rosberg added that he would continue to stay near the sport, and was now working on finalising a contract for BAR driver Olivier Panis for next season.

Published at 11:27:40 GMT