Hakkinen back on track in McLaren test

LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters) Former world champion Mika Hakkinen tested with McLaren today for the first time since he retired from Formula One five years ago.

The 38-year-old Finn started off with a handful of installation laps on a cold but clear morning at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

His initial pace was well off the leading times, to be expected from a driver who last raced with McLaren at the 2001 Japanese Grand Prix.

McLaren, who failed to win a race last year and are switching from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres now that Formula One has a single supplier, have said that they are looking for some useful feedback.

Hakkinen, who has spent the last two seasons in the DTM German touring car series, dismissed suggestions on Wednesday that the test was more of a promotional stunt.

''Obviously I do have memories, understanding and feelings from when I used to race,'' he said.

''My feedback from many years of F1 will be very valuable info and all this is something good.'' Hakkinen was testing alongside British rookie Lewis Hamilton.

McLaren's other 2007 driver, double champion Fernando Alonso, does not join from Renault until the New Year.

EUTERS PM KN1518