Hakkinen could settle for second to take title

(26-Oct-98) - Mika Hakkinen arrived in Japan today suggesting that he could
settle for second place in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix to guarantee
himself the world championship.

"Of course, I want to win the race and take the title that way, but I
know that I could do it by finishing second," said the Finn. "It
is a great luxury for me and that helps me too. It takes off a lot of the
pressure."

"To be honest, I haven't made my mind up 100 per cent if I will try to
win outright or not," said the 30-year-old who has been a favourite
with Japanese fans for a number of years.

Hakkinen, who currently lies first in the championship four points ahead of
Michael Schumacher, admitted fighting for the championship was a very new
experience, but not one that he feared.

"I know everyone thinks I could be showing a lot of stress and worry
and having sleepless nights and so on, but I am not having any of that kind
of trouble," he said. "I feel good. I am really okay and happy.
To be honest, I am not worrying about anything."

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