Di Montezemolo says he has the highest admiration for Raikkonen

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "He has a five-year contract with McLaren but we must think of the future and make long-term plans."

The Italian added that Raikkonen was the biggest threat to Ferrari and Michael Schumacher extending their record-breaking run of title wins.

"He is very young but is the best driver behind Michael Schumacher and Barrichello [Ferrari's number two]."

Ferrari 'face tough time'

Di Montezemolo, who was speaking on the eve of Ferrari's unveiling of their new car on Monday, added that Michael Schumacher may race on beyond the end of his existing contract in 2006.

"If Michael has the same passion and motivation that he has now, if he continues to drive fast, he will still be driving," Di Montezemolo told Welt Am Sonntag.