Ron Dennis said on a visit to Spain this week that Pedro de la Rosa will feature in McLaren’s driver line-up for 2007.
“He will definitely be one of our drivers,” said the team principal, but he refused to be drawn on whether it will be as a test driver or alongside Fernando Alonso in the sister racer.
GP2 champion Lewis Hamilton is also in the frame for the vacant MP4-22 single seater, but McLaren rejected reports on Tuesday that said Mika Hakkinen was eyeing a shock comeback to F1.
Dennis also promised world champion Alonso a winning McLaren for 2007.
The 25-year-old became the youngest ever back to back winner of the drivers’ title this season, but prior to the Bahrain opener had already decided to switch camps after five years with the Renault team.
“We know how hard it is,” Dennis said, “but both Fernando and McLaren fully understand what is required to win.
“I believe that he will win with us, and if Alonso did not think the same then he would not have chosen us as his team.
“Fernando is the world champion and I understand the responsibility that we have to give him a car that is capable of winning the championship,” Dennis added.
Go to the new poll on our Home Page vote on whether or not De La Rosa should be in a racing seat at McLaren next year.
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DailyF1News.com
