Montoya hopes for advantage

Discussion has surrounded the reasons why Ferrari have decided to line up the old 2001 chassis on the grid at Albert Park this weekend, but Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya is hoping it will give his team an advantage.

"I think it's a negative move, but a positive one for us," He said. "If you think about it, they are starting off the season with last year's car. If we had brought last year's car we would have been 10th on the grid this weekend."

Juan Pablo Montoya.

Photo by WilliamsF1.

Ferrari may be starting with last year's car but it is hardly the same as it was; the chassis is a heavily revised version of the one that Michael Schumacher won the title with last year with still four races to go.

Meanwhile, whom it will give the possible advantage to between Montoya and team mate Ralf Schumacher is yet to be seen. While it is evident that Williams will be one of the stronger teams on the grid this season, which driver will be the dominant of the two has been the source of much specualtion. Last year Ralf led the way early on, with his first GP victory at Imola, while Montoya took over in the latter half of the season, taking his maiden win at Monza.

BMW Motorsport director Gerhard Berger thinks the duo are the stongest driver pairing on the grid but even he is not willing to bet on one over the other.“ We will see on the track. They are the strongest and one of the youngest duos. If Montoya will be strong like in the last part of 2001 season, there will be surprises for everybody. I believe in Ralf as well, he's more methodical and analytic, like all Schumachers.”