Schumacher issues Montoya threat
Ralf Schumacher today threatened to run Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya off the track if he attempts another overtaking move like the one he pulled early in the Australian Grand Prix.
Montoya’s move came on lap two as he desperately sought a way back up the field after he had been relegated from third to seventh by a slow start, caused by a clutch problem on the grid.
Having already thrown himself down the inside at the first corner, outbraking himself and hitting the grass, Montoya launched his bid for sixth by charging inside Schumacher at the start of lap two.
The German said he was forced to concede room to ensure both cars remained in the race and today had stern words for Montoya, accusing him of undermining Williams’ chances of success in Melbourne.
And Schumacher warned the exuberant Colombian he would not be so accommodating next time.
“The only thing I have to say is that it was a pretty strong move and next time I will have him off the track,” said Schumacher.
“It was a move based on me making space for him, which I did not want that early in the race on the basis of scoring as much as possible and getting the best out of the weekend.
“Someone brakes into a corner with the intention of either crashing into somebody or assuming he gives space, then that is the wrong move. Let’s put it that way.
“I did not want to put our positions into danger.”
While there is clearly no love lost between the pair, Schumacher stressed they continue to have a positive working relationship, although he admitted he had not spoken to Montoya about the incident.
“I just think that that move was not the right thing to do at the time. I don’t need to say anything to him about it, only what I said before,” he said.
“As team-mates we have a good relationship. Sometimes we disagree on the track which is normal because we both want to win.
“Other than that I concentrate more on the team’s problem at the moment, which is trying to find (a way to close) the gap rather than what my team-mate does.”
Since his fourth place at Albert Park, Schumacher’s name has been linked heavily with a move away from Williams. Toyota and Renault have been mooted, a US dollars 22million-per season package is reportedly on the table.
His current contract expires at the end of the season and while Montoya is already leaving Williams to head for McLaren, Schumacher insisted his first choice would be to stay put.
“I am pretty clear about what we want to achieve with Williams this year. After Melbourne we are a bit far away from that at the moment but as we saw last year it can turn around pretty quickly so I am pretty confident,” he said.
“At the moment I am talking to BMW-Williams. It is where I am and where I would like to stay. We are still talking about it.”
The drivers’ merry-go-round could conceivably see Coulthard head the opposite way to Montoya given it is almost certain it will be the Scot, rather than Kimi Raikkonen, who will leave McLaren.
He was remaining tight-lipped today saying only that he intends to find a “competitive drive” for 2005 because “McLaren’s position is quite clear”.
Schumacher’s hopes of impressing as he searches for a new contract were marginally helped by a solid fourth in Australia to close out a weekend of mixed feelings for Williams.
But they both finished over a minute off Michael Schumacher’s race-winning pace and Montoya’s expectations are limited for Malaysia too.
He has urged the team to draw on the Williams of 2002, when Ralf Schumacher won with a “nice easy Sunday afternoon drive”, but does not predict great things.
“I don’t really expect a miracle,” said Montoya, laughing off questions about his clash with Schumacher.
“Melbourne showed we still need to do quite a lot of work. We’re on the right track but it’s a shame we’re not quicker or as quick as we wanted to be.
“It might take some time to find more pace, but we should be stronger here.”
Nevertheless, neither Williams nor McLaren are considered the main threat to Ferrari pair Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.
Montoya admitted neither team has a car capable of winning the world title and Barrichello predicted Renault would pose the biggest challenge in the high temperatures at Sepang.
“I think Renault has a car that is very capable of posting consistent times throughout the race. They will be the main challenge here in Malaysia,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say they have the car to beat because I think ours is, but in Malaysia I think they will be in contention.”
