McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen dismissed Thursday the speculation that he would leave for Italian Formula One team Ferrari in 2007.

His denial came after Germany's Bild newspaper reported on Thursday that the Finn had signed an advance contract with Ferrari.

Raikkonen, who won last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix and increased his total wins to five races this season, insisted that he had no intention of leaving McLaren.

"As I have said on a number of occasions this season already, when asked about the rumours, I'm completely happy with my team," he said in a statement.

"I don't think there is any doubt that we have the fastest package on winning races, I'm still challenging for the world championship, the team is fantastic and I have a great relationship with everybody here so why would I want to consider changing?

"Surely I am in a position that most drivers in Formula One want to be in."

Bild reported that after holding initial talks about a possible move for Raikkonen to Ferrari last year, parties began discussing an advance contract early this year before agreeing it in May.

The paper added such a move would clear the way for Michael Schumacher's move to McLaren when his contract with Ferrari expires in 2006.

But both Ferrari and McLaren have been quick to deny the rumored move of Raikkonen.

"It is too soon to start talking about the 2007 season," said Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni."We have not made any commitments with anybody for 2007."

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis said that his team, including the drivers, is "100% focused on" the intensive battle for the 2005 Formula One drivers and constructors world championship.

"We anticipate long-term relationships with both Kimi, who is in his fourth season with us, and Juan Pablo Montoya,"said Dennis.

"Consequently the team is not in discussuion with any other driver, including Michael Schumacher about a possible team McLaren Mercedes race seat."

Editor: Donald