No team orders for McLaren duo

There had been speculation the Scot, who won the last race in Belgium a fortnight ago, would be ordered to defer to team-mate Mika Hakkinen who leads the title race with four races, still to go.

There are fears that after two clashes this season in Austria and Belgium a fortnight ago another incident could cost them valuable points and possibly even the championship.

But team boss Dennis insists Coulthard will not be forced to play second fiddle to his world champion team-mate.

'There will be no team orders but we will discuss the fact that to finish first, first you have to finish,' said Dennis.

'And I will be putting the point strongly to both drivers.

'Whilst we are here to win the race and are expected to race no matter what the state of the championship it is not particularly professional to hit your team-mate.'

'It would cause some degree of embarrassment and that doesn't stop at the drivers, it falls on mine and Norbert [Haug, Mercedes boss] shoulders and I would rather not have the embarrassment.'

In Austria Coulthard was punted Hakkinen out of the lead as he tried to take the front spot and a fortnight ago Hakkinen tried to come from behind to overtake Coulthard at the first bend and the two touched again, luckily this time without damaging either car.

Hakkinen is a point ahead of Eddie Irvine of Ferrari and 14 ahead of Coulthard and there is the very real danger that if Coulthard does not win then team orders will be brought in at the next round in Germany in two weeks time.