Type S

Mika Hakkinen, former double world Formula One champion who announced his retirement from the sport earlier this year, will take part in the Arctic Rally of Lapland next year behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII WRC2. The Rally gets underway on the 24th of January 2003 and is the first round of the European Rally Championship.

The 34 year old Finn is adamant that this one off appearance doesn't mean he is planning on taking up rallying as a full time option.

"Finland is not only my home country, but also the home of rally sport," he said. "I'm deeply impressed by my fellow Finns' and their colleagues' performances in the World Championship. Their car control under difficult road conditions, sometimes even with ice or snow, is really fascinating. I always wanted to compete in a rally and I'm sure the comparison between this sport and Formula One will prove interesting for the spectators as well. But I want to make clear that this is not to start a second career in motor sport."

Red Rider

I like Mika, he still has a lot of driving left in him.

Chief F1 Fan

He shld pair up w/ Makkinen, that'll drive the announcers nuts!