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Montoya is man of the moment ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix
Budapest, Aug 19: BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya heads into this weekend`s Hungarian Grand Prix only six points behind championship leader Michael Schumacher, and will be looking for a second victory in succession to keep the pressure on the Ferrari driver.
Budapest, Aug 19: BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya heads into this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix only six points behind championship leader Michael Schumacher, and will be looking for a second victory in succession to keep the pressure on the Ferrari driver.
Montoya completely dominated the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim at the beginning of the month to win by over a minute while Schumacher had to be content with seventh spot after sustaining a puncture late in the race.
Although the Hungaroring is not among Montoya's favourite circuits, the Colombian believes that if the European heatwave continues it will be to his team's advantage, especially with Michelin tyres under him.
''It is going to be a very hot weekend, as usual, and no doubt this is positive for us, first of all because our Michelin tyres perform very well in the heat and also because I have no problem with the physical effort required,'' said Montoya.
''We haven't performed very well in Hungary recently, but our car is much improved this year, so I am sure it will suit the Hungaroring much better,'' he said, adding that there would be no talk about titles at this early stage.
''I am not interested in talking about championships, because the only way these are won is by concentrating on each race as it comes, and that is where my focus lies at the moment.''
Meanwhile, teammate Ralf Schumacher will need to put in a supreme drive if he is to challenge the leaders considering he will probably be placed 10 positions lower than his qualifying place.
The punishment is a result of the Hockenheim race stewards' decision that Schumacher caused the accident seconds into the race after which he, Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen of Mclaren had to retire.
''As far as my expectations for the race in Hungary go, I can't really say much as the appeal decision against my penalty following the accident at the start of Hockenheim is still pending,'' said the German, who will hear whether his appeal is successful later Tuesday.
''If the penalty stands and I lose ten places, that will obviously make the race a lot more difficult, as it is well known that Hungary doesn't allow much opportunity for overtaking,'' he said, adding that ''nothing is impossible''.
With Williams the only team to have scored points in every single race this season, Schumacher, who is 12 points behind his teammate in the overall standings, may yet challenge Montoya and older brother Michael not only for the chequered flag in Hungary but also for the title itself.
Bureau Report
Montoya completely dominated the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim at the beginning of the month to win by over a minute while Schumacher had to be content with seventh spot after sustaining a puncture late in the race.
Although the Hungaroring is not among Montoya's favourite circuits, the Colombian believes that if the European heatwave continues it will be to his team's advantage, especially with Michelin tyres under him.
''It is going to be a very hot weekend, as usual, and no doubt this is positive for us, first of all because our Michelin tyres perform very well in the heat and also because I have no problem with the physical effort required,'' said Montoya.
''We haven't performed very well in Hungary recently, but our car is much improved this year, so I am sure it will suit the Hungaroring much better,'' he said, adding that there would be no talk about titles at this early stage.
''I am not interested in talking about championships, because the only way these are won is by concentrating on each race as it comes, and that is where my focus lies at the moment.''
Meanwhile, teammate Ralf Schumacher will need to put in a supreme drive if he is to challenge the leaders considering he will probably be placed 10 positions lower than his qualifying place.
The punishment is a result of the Hockenheim race stewards' decision that Schumacher caused the accident seconds into the race after which he, Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen of Mclaren had to retire.
''As far as my expectations for the race in Hungary go, I can't really say much as the appeal decision against my penalty following the accident at the start of Hockenheim is still pending,'' said the German, who will hear whether his appeal is successful later Tuesday.
''If the penalty stands and I lose ten places, that will obviously make the race a lot more difficult, as it is well known that Hungary doesn't allow much opportunity for overtaking,'' he said, adding that ''nothing is impossible''.
With Williams the only team to have scored points in every single race this season, Schumacher, who is 12 points behind his teammate in the overall standings, may yet challenge Montoya and older brother Michael not only for the chequered flag in Hungary but also for the title itself.
Bureau Report