McLaren announces 1996 driver line-up

MIKA HAKKINEN AND DAVID COULTARD TO DRIVE FOR MARLBORO McLAREN MERCEDES IN 1996

Marlboro McLaren Mercedes announced today that Mika Hakkinen will be joined by David Coulthard as a race driver in the team for the 1996 FIA Formula One World Championship. The partnership of Mika with David, the young Scot from Twynholm, will provide the team with one of the most highly regarded combinations in Formula One today. The driver line-up will be completed by Jan Magnussen, the young Danish test driver.

Marlboro McLaren Merecedes continues to be in dialogue with Alain Prost, the four times Formula One World Champion, as to a possible role in the future of the team.

Commenting on the announcement, McLaren's Ron Dennis said: "Our determination to win races is undiminished. This commitment will be reflected in an even greater and more intensive test and development programme for 1996. Securing the services of such talented young drivers will undoubtedly contribute a great deal to the fulfilment of our objective."

On behalf of Mercedes Benz Motorsport, Norbert Haug added: "We are very happy to have David Coulthard alongside Mika Hakkinen in our 1996 driver line-up. Both drivers are talented and young and managed in only a few years of their Formula One careers to get an international reputation and create a lot of enthusiasm for them and their sport."

Finally, Marlboro McLaren Mercedes would like to thank Mark Blundell for the excellent work done and valuable points scored on behalf of the team throughout the 1995 season.

Nurburgring, 1st October 1995