MOTOR RACING: The Finnish driver Mikka Hakkinen appears certain to be be the new world motor racing champion.

Although the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka has not yet finished, Hakkinen is in an unassailable position after his nearest challenger Michael Schumacher dropped out of the race when a tyre blew on his Ferrari.

Hakkinen was four points clear at the top of the drivers' championship table going into the race, but it was mathematically possible for Schumacher to beat him.

Hakkinen becomes the first Finn to win the Formula One championship.