McLaren has confirmed earlier press reports that Juan Pablo Montoya will not race again in the 2006 season.
As anticipated, the Woking based team released a statement on Tuesday announcing that test driver Pedro de la Rosa would take the silver race seat at Magny Cours and for the rest of the year, following Colombian Montoya’s decision to unveil his 2007 NASCAR switch.
Mercedes-powered McLaren did not refer to suggestions that Montoya breached his contract, saying only that team and driver ‘mutually agreed’ to split.
”(He) will now spend the next few months based in Miami with his family and wife Connie who is expecting their second child in September,” the statement read.
Ron Dennis added: ”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.”
”I have enjoyed most of my time in formula one,” 30-year-old Montoya said, ”and I’m grateful for this opportunity to settle my personal life and concentrate on my future career.”
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