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The McLaren team have just announced that they have reached a mutual agreement with Juan Pablo Montoya for him to step down from the remaining races this season.
Pedro de la Rosa will be driving alongside Kimi Raikkonen at the French Grand Prix.

Montoya is planning to spend the next few months in Miami with his family and wife Connie who is expecting their second child in September.
Montoya will also be making initial preparations for his debut in NASCAR in 2007.

Ron Dennis said:

Juan Pablo is an exciting driver and immensely likeable character who will undoubtedly make a successful transition to the NASCAR scene. We have agreed that with so many things happening in Juan Pablo's life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future.

Juan Pablo Montoya said:

I know that it will be a tough transition but I'm really excited about the opportunity to move into the NASCAR championship. I have enjoyed most of my time in Formula 1 and I'm grateful for this opportunity to settle my personal life and concentrate on my future career.

Pedro de la Rosa said:

I'm of course extremely thrilled to have this opportunity to race the MP4-21 ? a car in which I'm really comfortable. I know the MP4-21 better than anyone else and I'm confident that I can achieve important World Championship points for the team.

I wasnt expecting him to drop out this soon!!


Now who is going to make all the passes?

Wow that was quick. On the flip side I am happy for Juan to get a bit of time off to spend with his family before he starts up again in Nascar.

<T-K> wrote:I wasnt expecting him to drop out this soon!!


Now who is going to make all the passes?

Pedro of course! Duh! what you thinking?

GhoGho wrote:

<T-K> wrote:I wasnt expecting him to drop out this soon!!


Now who is going to make all the passes?

Pedro of course! Duh! what you thinking?

He's not exactly what I would call a crazy spaniard.....

My motto is expect the unexpected

I didn't expect that

Or this

jacfan wrote:Wow that was quick. On the flip side I am happy for Juan to get a bit of time off to spend with his family before he starts up again in Nascar.

I think he is going to get some time in Nascar or the Busch series before a full season next year. I am sure mlittle will have more details.

Yes his statements seems to indicate that he was having some time off and also preparing for his Nascar career. Knock 'em dead Monty!

Snowy wrote:My motto is expect the unexpected

I didn't expect that

Or this

I did

I hate to see JPM go, but what a great stroke of luck for Pedro delaRosa!! I thought he was brilliant in his races for JPM last year when Montoya was injured. He almost had a podium finish at least twice.

Viva delaRosa!!

Agree!

I've even put de la Rosa in my picks

After reading Ron Dennis' statement, it appears that "Your not committed to the team so get out of here". I know that there are all the nice words but the essence of it is you don't want us and we don't want you.

cmlean wrote:After reading Ron Dennis' statement, it appears that "Your not committed to the team so get out of here". I know that there are all the nice words but the essence of it is you don't want us and we don't want you.

Ron learned his subtle ways from Bruce McLaren

Remember also that JPM will be driving a Dodge. It being part of the Daimler Chrysler group like Merc. So he is not completely leaving the fold.

I reckon the "good 'ol boys" will play dodgems with him