DTM:Hakkinen stays in DTM for another year

[Plex]

Mika Hakkinen has targeted victories this season after confirming he will continue with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM for a third straight year.

The 38-year-old Finn will again partner five-time champion Bernd Schneider in the German manufacturer�s works AMG outfit and drive one of their 2007-spec C-Class machines.

Hakkinen said: �It's nice to continue being part of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport family. Everybody at Mercedes-Benz has supported me very much during the last two years, and I feel absolutely comfortable here.

�My results in 2006 don't reflect our true potential and my target is to rectify that this year. However my three podium finishes and two fastest race lap times indicate that the speed is there and that I can fight for victories if everything runs without problems. I also want to show what I am capable of in the DTM.

�It is important for me to continue my long standing, successful partnership with Mercedes-Benz and to have a long-term prospect with them.

Hakkinen is the most famous driver in the DTM, having won the Formula One world title in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren.

Since making his championship debut in 2005, he has started 21 races, winning once. His best championship finish came in his maiden year, when he was fifth overall.

Eurosport