Lauda Calls Raikkonen to Prepare for Montoya

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen should give his driving an extra edge next season in order to secure a place in the McLaren team before Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya joins in 2005, former World Champion Niki Lauda said on Wednesday.

Montoya's announcement that he is leaving Williams came last week after months of rumours, speculation and coy denials about the move.

"For Kimi it is good because he can develop his relationship with McLaren knowing the enemy is coming a year later and he can push his own performance," three-times Champion Lauda told a news conference.

McLaren have not said who will be driving alongside Montoya but Lauda said current driver David Coulthard was in a difficult situation in competition with the 24-year-old Finn.

"When Kimi came he (Coulthard) suddenly lost his lead in the team and it is always depressing when your teammate is quicker and now the situation is that his place has already been given away to Montoya. Psychologically, it will be difficult for him," Lauda said.

Raikkonen ended last season in second place in the World Championship, two points behind Germany's Michael Schumacher who claimed a record sixth title, but Lauda said the Finn would also improve when he gets used to McLaren's new car.

"The new car turned out to be so far ahead it did not work," the Austrian said. "They could be in a better position next year because they know what to do. I think the new car was one second quicker and that is a lot."