McLaren set to keep Coulthard

By Andrew Benson
Motorsport editor

Is Montoya lined up to replace Coulthard at McLaren? Williams admit bid for Montoya Coulthard: I'm staying at McLaren

David Coulthard is set to be retained by McLaren in 2004 - but he looks likely to be replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya the following year.

The Scot's position as Kimi Raikkonen's team-mate next season is expected to be announced within the next few days, ending speculation about Coulthard's future and setting him up for a ninth season at McLaren.

But there are strong rumours within F1 that McLaren have already lined up Williams star Montoya for 2005.

The best-selling Colombian news magazine Cambio has reported that Montoya has already secured a switch to McLaren at the end of next season.

The magazine quoted sources close to Montoya, who visited his home country immediately after the last race, saying a deal was done.

HAVE YOUR SAY Coulthard is lucky that McLaren are keeping him on From Bob, Sweden Join the debate

And a source has told this website that he also believes some form of arrangement has been concluded - although he did not know whether that is a formal contract or a letter of intent.

Williams and McLaren will not comment on the rumours.

McLaren's interest in Montoya was revealed by the BBC Sport website last month.

The team had approached Montoya about a switch when his Williams contract expires at the end of 2004 - but made it clear they would take him at the end of this season if possible.

Coulthard is set for a ninth year with McLaren in 2004 Montoya cools title talk Driver profile: Juan Pablo Montoya Driver profile: David Coulthard

Williams, who have admitted that McLaren are after Montoya, have refused to release the 27-year-old before the end of his deal but can do nothing about it if he has decided to switch camps after that.

If the Raikkonen-Montoya partnership comes off, it would give McLaren arguably the most exciting driver line-up F1 and two drivers who have shown they have no fear about taking on Michael Schumacher.

Coulthard, for his part, would probably be in strong demand if he was to leave McLaren.

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