Former double world champion Mika Hakkinen has tipped McLaren to bounce back to winning ways during the course of the 2007 season.
After failing to win a single grand prix with Woking based McLaren last year, Kimi Raikkonen switched to Ferrari, where in Melbourne the Italian package looked set to dominate at least the early phase of this season.
But while Finn Hakkinen, 38, sympathises with his countryman’s Maranello move, he said McLaren is sure to give Ferrari a run for its money in 2007.
“The way that McLaren develops a car is very strong,” Hakkinen, who now drives for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM touring car category, told the men’s magazine ‘FHM’.
Referring to Raikkonen’s decision to jump ship last year, Mika added: “During my career with McLaren I also had moments of doubt.
“Kimi went away to Ferrari as a defensive movement, but I believe that the speed of McLaren’s development will be very fast this year.”
He assures Fernando Alonso that, with McLaren and team boss Ron Dennis, he has landed with a winning team.
Hakkinen said: “Ron is a very loyal person. When he has committed to you, you know he will find a way to take you to victories.
“It can take some time, but it will happen.”
