SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

Dennis rules out Montoya deal in 2004

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has confirmed that he is not planning to change his driver line-up next year.

Ron Dennis, Austrian GP 2003
© The Cahier Archive

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has confirmed that he is not planning to change his driver line-up next year. Dennis was responding to rumors that Juan Pablo Montoya might be brought in to replace David Coulthard in 2004, a year ahead of when Montoya is due to join the team.

Asked if his drivers for next year will be David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen Dennis replied:

"Absolutely" and asked whether that was "crystal clear" for the journalists present.

Thus it can safely be assumed that the plans to switch to Montoya a year early have been axed.