Dennis backs 'title contender' Coulthard.

Ron Dennis has again countered speculation that Juan Montoya could replace David Coulthard in McLaren's 2004 line-up, claiming that the Scot could 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 racing 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 good 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.

"There'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 to 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.