Dennis: Coulthard Will Not be Number One Driver

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis insisted on Friday that David Coulthard will not be given number status at the team next year, despite the departure of Mika Hakkinen.

Finn Hakkinen will take a one-year sabbatical from the sport after the Japanese Grand Prix and will be replaced by compatriot Kimi Raikkonen. And despite youngster Raikkonen's lack of his experience - his year with Sauber this season was his first in Formula One - he will be given equal billing with Coulthard next year.

"David won't have number one status," Dennis said. "We don't have number one status and never have had. We will provide them with equal equipment and the outcome will be the outcome."

Dennis is convinced Raikkonen has got the talent to reach the top of the sport, but admitted he will need time to settle in at McLaren next year.

"He's had a season in Formula One," he added. "It's pretty obvious that he's a talent. How good he's going to be, we will just have to wait and see.

"I think he's pretty good already. He races very well and that's the important thing. He's going to have the opportunity to show what he can do, hopefully in a competitive car, but I'm not worried about his inexperience. He's got a good head on his shoulders."