Raikkonen unconcerned about partnering Montoya

FINLAND’S Kimi Raikkonen insists he is not concerned about the prospect of partnering Juan Pablo Montoya at McLaren.

The 23-year-old is expected to partner Montoya in 2005, when the Colombian moves from Williams, leaving current team-mate David Coulthard searching for a drive.

Yet, when asked yesterday about teaming up with Montoya after next season, Raikkonen said: "Juan Pablo is not my team-mate yet. But whatever happens next season on the track between Montoya and myself, it will have nothing to do with what could happen in 2005.

"I see him as just an opponent, like David is. I always try to beat my team-mate, whoever he is."

Raikkonen has not been confirmed for 2005 but, after only losing the drivers' title by two points to Ferrari's Michael Schumacher last season beating Montoya into third spot is expected to get the nod over Coulthard.

McLaren's decision to confirm Montoya so early has raised speculation they are trying to force Williams into releasing the South American for 2004, despite insisting yesterday that Coulthard and Raikkonen will be in the cockpit next season.

There are doubts over whether engine suppliers BMW will want Montoya testing parts next year, then moving to McLaren, who are powered by the German car company's arch-rivals Mercedes.

Coulthard is understood to have a clause in his contract guaranteeing his £6 million salary next year, should he be forced to make way for Montoya.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, is recovering from an operation on his right wrist last month that could prevent him resuming testing until January.

He needed 10 stitches after aggravating a problem he initially sustained in 2001, his first season in Formula One.

"The wrist is still very sore," said Raikkonen at a charity event in Finland today. "I can't do much except sign a few autographs."

Raikkonen scored his maiden victory in Malaysia last March.

It proved to be his only win, but a succession of podium finishes enabled him to take Ferrari rival Schumacher right to the wire before losing out.

In the meantime, Colin McRae has confirmed he will make his debut on the Paris-Dakar Rally, beginning January 1.

The 35-year-old former world rally champion will drive for Nissan in the three-week event.

"It's something I've always wanted to do," said McRae.

"I always enjoyed the Safari, especially the old Safaris, an event where you could pace yourself, but it's very much a learning year for me."

McRae's decision calls into question whether he will be able to replace Richard Burns on the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year, after the Briton was yesterday ruled out by a brain tumour.

Although the Paris-Dakar ends five days before the new season gets underway in Monte Carlo, it will be difficult for McRae to test for both Subaru and Nissan.

Subaru were left looking for a replacement following the shock news concerning 2001 world-beater Burns, who was due to return to the team next season.

McRae, who lost his WRC drive at Citroen following changes to the regulations, will be co-driven be Tina Thorner, a vastly-experienced Swede.