Former world Formula One champion Mika Hakkinen has pledged to compete in more rallies after enjoying his drive on the Arctic Lapland Rally last weekend.

The Finn finished 30th in the event in northern Finland, which was the first time he had taken part in a rally.

"This will not be my last rally - it seems I enjoy driving more and more," said the 33-year-old.

Hakkinen enjoyed the challenge driving on snowy, icy and often narrow roads lined by high snow walls in Rovaniemi near the Arctic Circle.

Hakkinen, who won the F1 title in 1998 and 1999, quit at the end of 2001 to spend more time with his wife Erja and son Hugo, who is two years old.

The Arctic Lapland Rally featured many promising Finnish drivers.

Janne Tuohino, in a Ford Focus, won the event when leader Juuso Pykalisto (Peugeot) hit a group of seven reindeer, killing all. The car was damaged and Pykalisto had to retire.

Hakkinen was 10 minutes behind the winner after 161 miles of special stages and once had to change a tyre, losing four minutes in the process.

Keke Rosberg - Hakkinen's former manager and F1 world champion in 1982 - was 45th.