MOTOR RACING: The Finnish driver Mikka Hakkinen is the new world motor racing champion.

Hakkinen, driving a McLaren, won the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka to take the title from his nearest challenger, the German Michael Schumacher, who was forced to drop out of the race when his Ferrari burst a tyre.

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

The win means McLaren also take the constructors' championship.