Grapevine: Ganassi would welcome Montoya back

Ganassi, who ran Montoya in Champ Cars in 1999 and 2000, told Autosport: "I'd love to have Montoya back. I'd take him in a second," although he admitted they had not yet spoken about a racing together again.

Montoya's future is currently unclear, as he has no contract beyond the end of his current McLaren deal, which expires at the end of this season.

Although a number of F1 drivers' contracts also expire at the end of this season, potentially opening several opportunities, Montoya's options appear limited.

Autosport understands an option for Montoya to remain at McLaren has not been taken up by the team and that he has now offered to drive for a lower salary, if he can stay.

Neither Renault nor Ferrari, meanwhile, have expressed an interest in signing him, although Montoya and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore had dinner together at the start of the season.

Speculation that he may drive for Red Bull has been talked down by team insiders; Honda, Williams and Toyota all look likely to retain their current driver line-ups, while BMW is keen to promote third diver Robert Kubica if Jacques Villeneuve leaves at the end of this season.