Planet-F1

Dennis sticks to his guns on driver policy

Wednesday 27th August 2008

McLaren won't change their equal driver treatment policy, according to team boss Ron Dennis.

Fernando Alonso claimed that he was forced to play second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton during his acrimonious year with the Woking-based squad.

McLaren have always denied the accusations, and the Spaniard moved to Renault at the end of 2008.

Dennis insists they won't change their approach, and says the McLaren drivers support the view.

"Our policy regarding equal opportunities and team orders is well known," he told the official Formula One website.

"We always aim to hire the two best drivers available, and we always then aim to give them equal opportunities to optimise their chances to win Grands Prix and World Championships.

"Sometimes that policy has been criticised by those who believe that a policy of running a number-one driver supported by a number-two driver, with or without team orders, is a better strategy.

"Well, we don't accept that. We exist to win - and all our employees, including all our drivers, buy in to that."

Dennis also dismissed suggestions that Heikki Kovalainen is a "back-up" for Hamilton.

"Heikki is doing a fabulous job this year - as his recent victory at the Hungaroring showed only too clearly. He's a pleasure to have in our team, and he and Lewis have a very good relationship with each other.

"I'd describe them as competitive and co-operative in equal measure, which is exactly what every team wants from its driver line-up."