Hakkinen happy after McLaren test

Hakkinen looks out over the Circuit de Catalunya

Former world champion Mika Hakkinen tested with McLaren on Thursday for the first time since he retired from Formula One five years ago.

The 38-year-old Finn, who last raced with McLaren at the 2001 Japanese Grand Prix, was well off the leading times but professed himself happy.

"I do have memories and understanding from when I used to race," he said.

"My feedback from many years of F1 will be very valuable information and all this is something good."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said recently that Hakkinen could play a role in the team's pre-season build-up.

He was the team's guest at last month's Brazilian GP and recently visited their Surrey headquarters where he spent time in a simulator.

606 DEBATE: What will Hakkinen bring to McLaren?

Dennis said Hakkinen wanted to "rekindle his emotional involvement" with the team.

"Mika's always been a part of our family, he's keen to contribute," he said.

"He's a very interesting person to bring in and evaluate some of the things we are developing."

Hakkinen's experience could prove useful for a team that failed to win a race in 2006 and has a new driver line-up for 2007.

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso has joined from Renault, and will be partnered by 21-year-old British F1 rookie Lewis Hamilton.

Hakkinen has yet to commit to another season for Mercedes in the German Touring Car Championship.

He won the F1 drivers' crown in 1998 and 1999.