David Summerbell - file

Two-time Formula One champion, Mika Hakkinen, will arrive for a two-day visit to the island this weekend. This, as Diageo launches its responsible drinking campaign Join the Pact here in Jamaica. The Join the Pact campaign is being aimed at getting people to pledge to never drink and drive by logging on to jointhepact.com and signing up.

Driving for McLaren, Hakkinen, now 42, was the Formula One champion in 1998 and 1999 and was hailed by all-time great Michael Schumacher as the driver he most respected. The Finnish driver's Formula One career spanned a decade - between 1991 and 2001 - during which he had 161 starts, 20 wins and 51 podium finishes. He retired in November 2007.

These days, along with his other pursuits, the blond-haired Formula One champion dedicates much of his time trying to save lives; lives that can potentially be lost by driving while under the influence of alcohol. "I signed to up to become the Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking Ambassador because drinking and driving is a serious issue," he says. "I feel I can use my experience as a successful Formula One driver to raise awareness of the dangers particularly around Drinking and Driving. It's never okay to drink and drive, and I am strongly committed to supporting Johnnie Walker in their ongoing efforts to promote this message."

public appearance

During his visit to Jamaica, Hakkinen will host a press conference along with members of government. He will also make a public appearance at Emancipation Park along with members of the Jamaica Race Drivers' Club (JRDC). David Summerbell of the JRDC and Jamaica's top driver said Hakkinen's visit could not have come at a better time.

"It's coming up to Christmas and drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of road fatalities," he says. "We are endorsing this visit because it's good being responsible."

Hakkinen is looking forward to the visit. "This is a fantastic opportunity to reach out to the people of Jamaica and reinforce our message of 'Designate a Driver'. We came to the Caribbean last year and I am thrilled to extend the campaign to Jamaica this year. I urge everyone to Join the Pact, and if you are planning on going out for a drink, use a designated driver and never drink and drive."

Despite the serious nature of the visit, there will be time for some lucky person to have some fun with the two-time Formula One champ. Someone will be able to win a ride with Mika, an experience that any racing fan will be sure to enjoy.

Hakkinen arrives in the island on Sunday morning and departs on Monday evening for Trinidad and Tobago where the Join the Pact campaign continues.