Thursday July 12th, 2001

British American Racing driver Olivier Panis has trashed rumours suggesting a move to the McLaren team to replace Finn two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen.

Following increasing speculation about the future of the Finn driver after what has been a disastrous season so far with McLaren, Frenchman Panis emerged, according to the latest rumours, as the favourite to take Hakkinen's seat if he decides to retire or switch teams at the end of 2001.

However, Panis - who was McLaren's test driver last season - has laughed off the reports and admitted he is already talking with BAR in order to continue driving for them in 2002.

"Me to McLaren? I have never heard of anything so absurd," said Panis. "If I came to such an agreement with (Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert) Haug and (Ron) Dennis, it would mean they appreciated the job I did as test pilot.

"I am already in negotiation with BAR for 2002, and for the moment things are going well."

Published at 08:49:52 GMT

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