Montoya hopes to erase error with KL GP win
Montoya hopes to erase error with KL GP win
M.Jegathesan, Agence France-Presse, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
Colombian Formula One star Pablo Montoya is hoping to erase his costly mistake at the Australian Grand Prix by clinching a win at Malaysia's Sepang circuit this weekend.
The Williams driver was leading the season-opening Melbourne race when he span off 10 laps from the end, handing victory to David Coulthard of McClaren.
"I made the mistake and I had to pay for it. It was my fault," said Montoya, who nevertheless managed to hold off Kimi Raikonnen for second place.
But Montoya said Williams had a good another chance of victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, saying the 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) circuit suited both him and the car.
"This wide track suits our car. I look forward for a really good race," Montoya told reporters Wednesday.
"Based on last year's performance, Williams have a decent chance. The car is good," added the Colombian, who placed second here last year.
Recognized as one of the most sophisticated F1 tracks in the world, the Sepang F1 Circuit offers lightning-fast straights and heartstopping corners that encourage overtaking.
The 28-year-old combative Colombian identified Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and McLaren's Raikkonen as well as team-mate Ralf Schumacher as the ones to beat.
"Ralf will be a big threat. But at the moment, I will be more concerned about Ferrari and McLaren than Ralf," he said.
Montoya said would prefer a dry race on Sunday as a Malaysia's tropical downpours make for extremely difficult driving conditions.
"I like it dry. The heat is okay with me but not the rain. When it rains here, it really rains hard," he said.
When asked which team would win this year's F1 World Championship, he said: "I think this year will be a tough year for Ferrari to win because McLaren seems very strong.
"But we have to wait and see when Ferrari and McLaren come out with a new car. This will make the season very interesting."
In the drivers' standing Coulthard leads with 10 points, ahead of Montoya (8), Raikkonen (6) and Schumacher (5). In the constructors' standings, McLaren has 16 points, ahead of Williams (9), Renault (6) and Ferrari (5).