Brundle: DC will stick around

Brundle says that even if Coulthard is dropped by McLaren as speculated, the 32-year-old will not be ready to retire after the last race next season. He hinted that Toyota could be a possibility.

"David has made crystal clear to me that he wants to race in 2005," said Brundle. "It took about four seconds for him to explain that to me.

"There are four frontrunning teams and one other well-funded one that could well become a frontrunner," said Brundle. "It all depends on 2004 form."

Brundle stressed that Coulthard is far from certain to be dropped by Ron Dennis after next year. McLaren have refused to rule anything out, and Kimi Raikkonen claims to know nothing about his future after 2004.

"It's understandable that many feel it will be Raikkonen and Montoya in 2005, but it is not a given," continued Brundle. "If it was, they would have said so already.

"A lot happens in 18 months in Formula 1. David's not going to see the Montoya signing as good news, but 2005 is a long way off."