Magny-Cours, July 04: Juan Pablo Montoya has shrugged off criticism from Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn after his clash with Michael Schumacher in last week's European Grand Prix.
Brawn described the Williams driver's overtaking manoeuvre at the Nurburgring as "mad" and "crude" although Schumacher did defend his rival's right to hold track position.
"It doesn't bother me what he said," said Montoya. "I thought it was pretty cool.
"I thought it was a good move and I was a bit surprised I managed to get past him on the outside but I didn't mind.
"If I didn't get penalised in Brazil when we pushed each other and touched each other, why should I this time when nothing happened?



"There is a bit of controversy between Michael and me. It's not the first time we have come together and it won't be the last.



"But I think it's good, it's good for racing and for the fans."



Schumacher leads the championship by seven points from Kimi Raikkonen, with Montoya's Williams team-mate Ralf Schumacher 19 points behind.



"I think Michael Schumacher is still the favourite but I don't think he is the clear favourite," added Montoya, whose Williams team have won two of the last three races. "The next three or four races are really going to go towards deciding who will be where at the end.



"We need to score good points in the next few races and hope others have got problems. We have added a lot of points in the last three races - I have gone from 16 to 39.



"I think I can challenge for the drivers' championship, it's not going to be easy but we will have to wait and see what happens.



"We are only a few points behind Ferrari in the Constructors' championship and that looks a realistic chance."


Bureau Report