Hungary, Aug 22: David Coulthard has been retained by McLaren in 2004 - but he looks set to be replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya the following year. The Scot's position as Kimi Raikkonen's team-mate next season was announced on Friday morning at the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending speculation about Coulthard's immediate future and setting him up for a ninth season at McLaren. But there are increasingly strong rumours within F1 that McLaren have already lined up Williams star Montoya for 2005. A number of sources have told this website they believe that Montoya has already secured a switch to McLaren at the end of next season although whether that is a firm contract or a letter of intent is unclear. Coulthard, who has had a disappointing season in 2003 after a strong start to the year, said he was "pleased" to be staying on at McLaren.

If the Raikkonen-Montoya partnership comes off, it would give McLaren arguably the most exciting driver line-up in F1 and two drivers who have shown they have no fear about taking on Michael Schumacher.
Coulthard, for his part, will probably be in strong demand when he leaves McLaren.

Jaguar and Toyota are among the teams who have expressed an interest in his blend of pace and experience in the past.
Bureau Report