Dennis Unconcerned about Minardi Threat in Race

McLaren team chief Ron Dennis says he is not concerned about the Minardi team making life difficult for his drivers in today's Canadian Grand Prix.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, who clashed with Dennis at Friday's press conference over Formula One's proposed "fighting fund", said yesterday that Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen would get no favours from his drivers when he tries to make his way back up the order after failing to set a time in qualifying.

The Finn will start from the back of the grid, while Minardi drivers Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson qualified in 15th and 18th positions.

"In Barcelona Ron came down the grid on the Sunday and actually asked me would I let Kimi through because he was much faster," said Stoddart. "I actually said yes. I don't think there is going to be a similar conversation taking place tomorrow."

Dennis, however, was unfazed by Stoddart's comments.

"No," replied Dennis when asked if he thought the Minardi cars would give Raikkonen trouble in today's race. "I think that at the end of the day, you know, every car is there to be beaten. And I think we'd be in a pretty miserable condition if we weren't able to outperform most of the cars that sit towards the back of the field - and not just theirs, others as well.

"Obviously we have to have a strategy which we believe is going to give us the best chance of Kimi scoring points - and David (Coulthard) as well. We think we've worked that one out, [but] time will tell."