Ganassi won't rush Montoya's debut

Now the Colombian has been parted company with McLaren immediately, Montoya is theoretically available to start preparing for his 2007 Nextel Cup programme sooner than originally expected.

However, Ganassi, who owns the number 42 Dodge Charger that Montoya will drive next season, would not be drawn on when he expects to see Montoya in the cockpit due to uncertainty over his release from McLaren.

"There are different levels of being released," Ganassi said. "There is a 'shakes hands and see you later' or you can be released to do some testing or released to do some racing.

"We are still walking through the mechanics of that. Papers have to be signed with McLaren for any conditional release."

On the second weekend in August, NASCAR visits Watkins Glen, one of only two road course races this year, leading to speculation that the Busch series race that weekend could be Montoya's debut. However, that is unlikely, according to Ganassi.

"Certainly when we get the details of his release, and what we can and can do we will use every opportunity to put him in good cars at the race circuits he needs to see," Ganassi added.

"On the list of important things I want him to do, to learn driving one of these Cup cars on a road course is way down the list right now. Because of the previous plans that are in place, even if Juan was available to drive tomorrow it would be an impossibility.

"In terms of a time frame we can maybe think about the middle of August. But in terms what we like to see him do in the meantime to prepare for the next year and the Daytona 500 - when you get to the middle of February you always wish you have few more days to try this and try that anyway.

"You are going to be constantly questioning, and I don't think you can ever do enough. But I want to get him into every type of track that we have."

Montoya himself is leaving such decisions to the team, and is playing down any expectations for whatever races he does end up contesting this season.

"This stage is about getting to know everybody and finalising everything and seeing where we stand," Montoya said. "For both parties it is great. McLaren-Mercedes and Dodge and DaimlerChrysler are the same company so in a way I'm still part of the family.

"I'm not focusing on starting early or Watkins Glen. For me it is just to know the cars. What really matters is the season ahead  - next year and not this year.

"The point in making this a long-term deal is we both know it is going to take time, and with time I'm sure he can do well. It will be a long learning curve, I'm sure I can do well."