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).