From F1.com:

McLaren has announced that they will retain their driver line-up of David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen in 2003.
"In the competitive environment of Formula One™, I think it is an important factor for the team and drivers to have continuity," commented Coulthard. "Kimi and myself have been developing a good relationship during the 2002 season and I look forward to the continuation of this next year."

"The value the team places on stability is clear as my partnership with Mika (Hakkinen) was the longest driver pairing in Formula One, and I would like to wish my old team mate a happy retirement with his family."

Raikkonen told of his happiness at staying with the team for a second year: "I'm pleased to be staying with McLaren as I have really enjoyed my first season with the team.

"I have learnt a lot in these past couple of months, am very excited about the future and believe David, the team and myself will be able to challenge for the World Championship next year.


"As a fellow Finn, I am sure Mika will keep an eye on me and also the team's progress next year from home."

Team boss Ron Dennis also revealed that third driver Alexander Wurz will stay in the same position with the team, bringing paddock gossip that the Austrian may race at Toyota to a halt.

"I'm very happy to enter a long-term contract with McLaren as a third driver," Wurz said. "I've grown into this role over the past two years and it's an integral and challenging position within the team.

"With the general uncertainties in Formula One at the moment and the current stalemate situation in the driver market, I preferred to commit early to this agreement and to my team mates, rather than having to wait for situations to unfold.

"McLaren is a great team with a fantastic infrastructure and extensive resources. It's very satisfying to work closely in a highly skilled and committed environment to develop the car as best as possible."


"I'm pleased that we are able to announce our 2003 driver line-up at Hockenheim, one of Mercedes-Benz's home races," Dennis also stated.

"David, Kimi and Alex have done a fantastic job this year and like the team they want to challenge for the 2003 Championship. The opportunity can only be beneficial for all involved."

Vice-president of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Norbert Haug added to Dennis' words: "We are glad to have David, Kimi and Alexander in our team in 2003. They work well together and have contributed to the progress we have made between Melbourne and Magny-Cours.

"All three are focused, committed and hard-working and together they are not only good ambassadors for Mercedes-Benz but also they form the ideal line-up for our 2003 championship challenge."

Dennis also mentioned that "if the circumstances allow" there is a possibility they may run a third car in the future.