Ron Dennis has again countered speculation that Juan Montoya could replace David Coulthard in McLaren's 2004 line-up, claiming that the Scot coul༒d easily be a title contender next season.

With the rumour mill continuing to belie the denials and place Montoya alongside Kimi Raikkonen at the Woking team next year, Dennis told BBC Radio 5 Live that the McLaren line-up would remain unchanged.

"David will definitely start 2004 with us," he insisted, "The important thing to remember is that he is a 🍌very good rac𝓡ing driver.

"He has had some appalling qualifying laps, but I think it's coming together for him now. He seems to have found new confidence and it's important that he gets a gooꦍd race in Suzuka and carries that into next season."

Despite the Scot♏ languishing down in seventh spot in this year's ꦺchampionship standings, Dennis doesn't believe that the F1 world has seen the best of him.

"Th♔ere's no reason why he can't be a championship contender next year," the oft taciturn team boss claimed.

Coulthard's final play in the 2003 season will be to act as back-up to team-mate Raikkonen, who needs to win the Japanese Grand Prix - and hope that Michael Schumacher fails to𝔍 finish - if he is to snatch his first world title. It is a role DC has played in the past, having acted as rear-gunner for former colleague Mika Hakkinen on ♚more than one occasion.