McLaren did approach Schumacher

(25-Jul-98) - McLaren-Mercedes bosses Ron Dennis and Norbert Haug have both
admitted that they spoke to Michael Schumacher about a drive at the team
for next year -- but that they could not come to an agreement.

Schumacher re-signed with Ferrari for a rumoured #20 million (pounds) per
year and revealed at the Austrian Grand Prix that he had been offered more
money by another team. This is widely believed to have been McLaren.

"We talked about Schumacher, we talked to him, we spoke but we did not
find a way," explained Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

Dennis added: "It is our job to evaluate all drivers as and when they
become available. It is ultimately a decision for Norbert and one in which
I hope will be supported by the rest of the management and the top
management at Mercedes-Benz. We are comfortable in the position we are
in."

Dennis refused to confirm whether he had re-signed Mika Hakkinen and David
Coulthard for next year.

"That's not fixed yet," said Dennis. "It is not far away, it
will come soon."

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