Dennis expects 'sparks' in 2005

Interest in how the pair are going to get on as team-mates in 2005 has intensified dramatically following the Brazilian Grand Prix, where the duo enjoyed a race-long duel out of the track and had a brief side-by-side battle down the pit-lane.

And although some in the paddock believe there could be major dramas between the Colombian and Finn next year, especially if they are regularly fighting for victories, Dennis is confident the pair will work well together.

"I really am," he told autosport.com. "I'm sure there will be a few sparks but I expect the relationship to be constructive."

Dennis has had previous experience of managing warring team-mates, having overseen Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna during their most explosive spell in the late 1980's, and he is well aware that he would prefer there not to be such friction between his two star men again.

"I'd rather keep the competition for the opposition and I am sure Kimi and Juan are more than capable of understanding that," he added. "They will certainly understand that by the start of next season.

"Tender, love, care and Ron Dennis don't seem to go well together in the same sentence, but I think we have a good environment for race drivers and we've always practiced that quality in all forms - and I think drivers react well to that."