The hopes that Damon Hill is going to get a competitive drive for next year are almost gone. The McLaren team now have confirmed both their drivers to be the same as this year: David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen.

Coulthard had already been confirmed, Hakkinen was after talks between team bosses and the engine supplier Mercedes.

Ron Dennis said: "The firm conclusion of all involved was that the team should continue with Mika Hakkinen for 1997. I have always felt that Mika has the talent and the commitment to be a world champion. His performance this year, especially following his accident in Adelaide last year, has only served to increase my belief in his potential. Mika's performances in the last two Grands Prix have been particularly impressive and would have seen him placed even higher than third, but for a combination of unfortunate circumstances."

The McLaren team also announced that they have offered Ralf Schumacher a testing job for next year.

The only team left open for Hill is Jordan and perhaps Benetton if they let Jean Alesi go to the Jordan team.

Eddie Irvine continued to work on features for the 1997 car. He coffered 21 laps with a best time of 1:02.14. He also shook down the three cars for the next Grand Prix in Portugal.