 Hakkinen beat Michael Schumacher to two world titles |
Former F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has emerged as a contender to replace Jenson Button at BAR, should the British driver join Williams. Finland's national broadcaster YLE quoted Hakkinen as saying: "There is no smoke without fire.
"At this moment I don't want to comment more on the issue, especially as discussions around BAR are so hot."
The 35-year-old, who retired from the sport in 2001, had previously been linked with a move to Williams.
But with Mark Webber taking one of the vacant seats and Button eyeing the other, Hakkinen will have to look for a drive elsewhere if he is to make a much anticipated return to F1.
BAR test driver Anthony Davidson remains the favourite to step into Button's shoes if his move is completed, but David Coulthard, Jarno Trulli and now Hakkinen are also in the frame.
BAR are determined to block Button's switch and say they will take action to enforce their contract if he does not meet them for talks by the end of Monday.
However, Williams boss Frank Williams has insisted his team have it "on strong legal advice" that they had prior call on Button.
The row is likely to go to F1's contracts recognitions board if it cannot be solved by talks between the two teams.
MMIX
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