Montoya leaves McLaren, de la Rosa to race

A statement issued by McLaren on Tuesday morning claimed that the team and driver had reached a mutual agreement for him to step down immediately. He will be replaced by Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who last raced for the team at last year's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Montoya will now spend time at home in Miami with his family to finalise his preparations for his switch to NASCAR. Future boss Chip Ganassi had made it clear that he wanted Montoya to compete in some NASCAR Busch races this season.

Speaking in the McLaren statement, Montoya said: "I know that it will be a tough transition but I'm really excited about the opportunity to move into the NASCAR championship. I have enjoyed most of my time in Formula One and I'm grateful for this opportunity to settle my personal life and concentrate on my future career."

There were suggestions in the Spanish press on Tuesday that Montoya's parting with McLaren was the result of a breach of contract caused by the Colombian announcing his NASCAR deal without his current team's knowledge.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "Juan Pablo is an exciting driver and immensely likeable character who will undoubtedly make a successful transition to the NASCAR scene.

"We have agreed that with so many things happening in Juan Pablo's life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future."

The news brings an end to Montoya's Formula One career after 94 starts. He won seven races and scored a total of 30 podiums.

McLaren could not confirm that de la Rosa would be in the car for the rest of the season.