Montoya doubts ability to win F1 in current car
( 2002-05-15 10:31 ) (7 )

Juan Pablo Montoya does not think he can win the Formula One championship with his current car but believes with new parts his Williams model can perform more like champions Ferrari.

"At the moment with what we've got it will be very difficult to win. Michael (Schumacher) is a very tough contender," Montoya, who won the Laureus World Newcomer of the Year award, told reporters on Tuesday.

"But it really depends on the car. That's the way it works," the Colombian, currently second behind Schumacher with 27 points in this year's championship, said.

Montoya said his next car would be key to his success.

"In Formula One it is not like you have a car you can start with and win right away.

"As new parts are put in the car, it evolves. The car will be a lot closer to Ferrari. The car that will be coming will be the key," he said.

Montoya, who moved to Formula One from Indie 500 racing last year, is viewed by many as the most likely threat to world champion Schumacher's dominance in the sport.

"Michael is probably the best driver right now driving in the best car. So he's the guy to beat," said Montoya.

Schumacher himself won the World Sportsman of the Year at the awards, which are seen as the sporting equivalent of the Oscars. His award comes just three days after winning the Austrian Grand Prix in controversial circumstances.

The German's victory was at the expense of team mate Rubens Barrichello who had led the race from the start but slowed in the final few metres on team orders, to allow the four times world champions to pass him and claim the chequered flag.