With a lack of serious F1 news at present, a number of ludicrous rumours have begun appearing in the usual places, subsequently being picked up elsewhere as fact.

However, McLaren has wasted no time in denying internet speculation that former World Champion Mika Hakkinen is to partner Fernando Alonso in 2007.

Having been spotted at the team's Woking HQ, and with no news as to who will drive the second McLaren, Hakkinen's visit to his former employers had certain journos putting two and two together and coming up with six.

Quick to kill off one of the silliest stories of the year, Martin Whitmarsh told The Guardian: "Mika has been in the simulator and following his visit to Brazil wished to understand if he could contribute to our programme."

With testing due to resume in two weeks, it is understood that McLaren is hoping to make a decision regarding Alonso's teammate before the end of the year. Currently, only Pedro de la Rosa and Lewis Hamilton appear to be in the frame.