McLaren Talking to Coughlan, No Deal Yet

Arrows technical director Mike Coughlan has had talks with McLaren but is not yet in a position to switch Formula One teams, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Sunday.

"There is dialogue between the team and Mike," Dennis told reporters at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

"But Mike's ability to join any Grand Prix team is very much to do with his contractual position with his current team," he added. "Until he's in a position to move then I presume he is going to stay where he is.

"We always respect a contractual relationship but I think there's clearly a difference in opinion between him and his current employers. Until that's resolved it is not possible to consider that a serious option."

Coughlan, a 43-year-old Briton, is not at the Canadian race and has been linked to a move to McLaren's technical department to work with Adrian Newey as head of design. An Arrows spokeswoman said he was currently on a two week holiday but would be returning to the team.

Formula One teams often put key staff on 'gardening leave' when they hand in their notice to limit the amount of technical information they can take with them. Dennis poured cold water on a suggestion that Toyota's German engine expert Norbert Kreyer had received a job offer by his team.

"I can categorically say that he has not been offered any position with any of the organisations that form part of this racing team," he said.

Dennis said there had been talks between Kreyer and people representing McLaren but that was standard behaviour in a sport where staff frequently move around.

"In respect of that one individual, I think possibly he's so vocal on the basis that he's never been offered a position and we have no interest in offering him one."