Tests are priority for Hakkinen, Schumacher

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Associated Press

(Oct 15, 1998 - 7:38 EDT) -- With the Formula One championship on the line,
Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher are so busy testing they have no time
for talking.

"It's chaotic, everybody wants to interview Mika," said Nancy
Edwards, a spokeswoman for McLaren. "But I'm afraid Mika's not doing
any, it's too important for that."

The Finn holds a four-point lead with only the season-ending Japanese Grand
Prix remaining. All Hakkinen needs to do is finish second on Nov. 1 in
Suzuka to claim his first title and bring McLaren the drivers and
constructors championships for the first time since 1991.

To stop him, Ferrari has a plan involving Schumacher winning and teammate
Eddie Irvine blocking.

"We'll be endeavoring to make sure Eddie's in there trying to spoil
the party," said Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director. "The
only benefit McLaren has got is that it can afford to follow Michael home,
which gives a bit more cushion. Otherwise, it's all completely open."

Regardless of the outcome, it's been a great year for Hakkinen.

On Oct. 26, 1997, in Jerez, Spain -- the final race last season -- the Finn
won for the first time in seven years on the circuit. This year, he's won
seven of 15 races.

His silver McLaren has been the quickest, a throwback to the mid-1980s and
early '90s when the team won seven of eight drivers titles with Niki Lauda,
Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna.

In the five-week period between his victory in the Grand Prix of Luxembourg
and the season finale, Hakkinen will have tested in Barcelona, Spain;
Magny-Cours, France; and Silverstone, England. Much of the focus has been
on Bridgestone's selection of wet-weather tires.

Hakkinen's German rival is a great wet-weather driver, and rain in Japan is
McLaren's worst nightmare. Should it fall, the much-loved but
often-maligned Ferrari could have its first championship driver since Jody
Scheckter in 1979 and its first constructors title in 15 years.

Schumacher is seeking his third series championship, matching Senna, Jack
Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Lauda and Nelson Piquet. Prost won four, and
Argentine pioneer Juan Manuel Fangio had five.

Even if Schumacher wins at Suzuka, Hakkinen can take the title by finishing
second. Both would both have 96 points, but Hakkinen would win by virtue of
more seconds.

Schumacher also can win the title if he finishes second at Suzuka and
Hakkinen is out of the top six.

Ferrari is as busy as McLaren on the testing front, also running in
Barcelona, and at home in northern Italy at circuits in Fiorano and
Mugello.

"Tires, aerodynamics, little things in the chassis, but mostly tires
is where we're working," said Ferrari spokesman Claudio Berro.
"We also have a few things in development for the '99 car that we can
bring in."

The Japanese Grand Prix will be the final Formula One event for Goodyear,
whose tires are used by Ferrari. The American tire maker, hurt by rising
costs for tires, is leaving after 34 seasons.

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