Dennis supports competition between team mates

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has dismissed claims that David Coulthard is being outshone by young team mate Kimi Raikkonen, saying Coulthard is a strong driver and competition between team mates is a good thing. Raikkonen has outqualified Coulthard three times in five races but Dennis believes although hiring Raikkonen was a difficult decision, it was the right one and any pressure he puts on the Scot will only make Coulthard try harder.

"If you are a competitive person that sort of thing brings out the best in you and it's a healthy, positive situation," Dennis said. "Does David need our moral support and a bit of a hug? Not at all. He's a strong, disciplined professional racing driver. That side of David Coulthard is a thing of the past. He knows where he's going and what he has to do. I prefer to think that Kimi's performance substantiates the difficult decision we took. Driver selection is always difficult."

"Was it right? Yes. Is he getting better every race? Yes. Is he putting David under pressure? Yes. Is that a good or a bad thing? Most definitely a good thing. Is it influencing David? I sincerely hope so. David is obviously going to try harder if he feels that the performance is coming from Kimi, but that's what having a strong teammate is all about. I'm sure that Rubens Barrichello tries harder every time that Michael Schumacher is quicker than him."

After his third place in the Spanish Grand Prix Coulthard is now fourth in the Driver's championship with nine points while Raikkonen is eighth with four points. Coulthard had a strong drive in Barcelona to end up on the podium but Raikkonen went out of the race with rear wing failure, the latest in a string of disappointing results for the Finn.

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