We will get more out of Montoya, says Dennis.

Team McLaren-Mercedes boss, Ron Dennis has predicted that Juan Pablo Montoya will be a 'better racing driver' with his squad.

Montoya, who made his debut in F1 in 2001 with Williams, has shone on occasion, most noticeably last year when he came close to taking the drivers' title, before eventually ending up third.

Dennis told British newspaper, The Daily Mail, that while there is a risk with any change, he is sure that the Colombian has what it takes to succeed.

"There are times within the team when opportunities present themselves and you have to take them. It was a decision quickly taken," he stated.

"Juan Pablo is still on the up and we believe he will be a better racing driver with our team.

"There's always a risk with any change but we think it's a very balanced and calculated risk and we believe he will be a better racing driver with the team.

"I am fairly convinced it will be a different environment he will find himself in and one that will get the best out of him, which is yet to come."

Montoya, who has taken four F1 wins to date, is sure to face a tough battle in 2005, when he links up with Kimi Raikkonen.