Kimi ready for Montoya

"Montoya may be my team-mate in 2005," said Raikkonen. "But who is to say I'll still be at McLaren?"

"It will be interesting to see what happens. His hiring does not change my attitude to him. I will continue to race with the objective of beating him, just like I do now with David Coulthard."

Raikkonen's McLaren contract is up for renewal after next year, and David Coulthard's is only valid for 2004. But it's almost certain that Ron Dennis will want to extend his relationship with the Finnish driver.

Williams technical director Patrick Head says it is unusual for a driver to sign for another team so far in advance. But Montoya affirms that he will still be giving his all for Williams in 2004.



"It will certainly be a bit odd going into next year knowing that one of your drivers has already signed for another team," remarked Head.

Montoya said: "The decision to change teams wasn't dictated by a falling out with Williams. As soon as I had signed with McLaren I went and told Frank.

"I am happy here at Williams and for this reason I will honour my contract to the letter, driving one more year with them."

Williams has four times won the drivers' title with their champion departing the following year for various reasons. Nelson Piquet followed Honda to Lotus after being crowned in 1987. Nigel Mansell's relationship with the team turned sour after he'd wrapped up the 1992 title, whilst Alain Prost retired after his 1993 championship. Most recently, the team dismissed Damon Hill when he won in 1996.