Hakkinen hopes Aston Martin rumours are right

Nov.9 (GMM) Mika Hakkinen is crossing his fingers reports that Force India is set to become 'Aston Martin' are true.

Ahead of the recent Mexican grand prix, Force India supremo Vijay Mallya confirmed reports he is in talks with the British luxury carmaker.

It is suggested a naming sponsorship deal, also involving the current McLaren sponsor Johnnie Walker, could see the Silverstone based team switching to a blue and gold livery.

Mallya says he has no intention of leaving F1.

"Absolutely. I'm not going anywhere," he told the BBC. "But it's just too premature for me to say anything further."

When asked about the speculation, former two-time world champion Hakkinen told his sponsor Hermes in an interview: "I know that it has been spoken about for some time.

"I don't think it's impossible that it will happen," added the Finn.

Interestingly, Hakkinen is a long-time ambassador for Mercedes, whose parent Daimler owns 5 per cent of Aston Martin. Force India is also powered by Mercedes engines, triggering rumours the carmaker might want to set up a 'B team'.

Hakkinen continued: "The Aston Martin brand fits very well with formula one. So I hope this actually does happen."