Motorsport News

Haug: McLaren-Mercedes plan to announce second driver by July

May 4, 2006, 14:25 GMT

Nuerburg, Germany - McLaren-Mercedes will announce the 2007 team-mate of newly-signed world champion Fernando Alonso by the July 30 German Formula One Grand Prix at the latest, Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug said on Thursday.

McLaren finalised the hiring of world champion and 2006 leader Fernando Alonso from Renault ahead of the current season. They must now decide wether to keep the 2005 runner-up Kimi Raikkonen or Juan Pablo Montoya at the team in the second car.

'I expect and hope that we will be ready at our next home race in Hockenheim. Maybe even a little earlier,' said Haug ahead of the other German race, the European GP on the Nuerburgring.

Haug said the team was in talks with both drivers.

Raikkonen has been linked with Ferrari and Montoya is reportedly also prepared to leave, but Haug said 'I don't expect us to race with two new drivers next season.'