Williams wanted longer contract

By Andrew Hooper
August 25 2002


	Williams hoping for longer contract

	After it was announced that the BMW WilliamsF1 team had secured an extension of the contract with Juan Pablo Montoya it has also been learned that WilliamsF1 team principals Frank Williams and Patrick Head were aiming at getting Juan Pablo's signature on a three year contact rather than the current two year contract. There has been much speculation regarding Montoya's future with the WilliamsF1 team in light of the possible retirement of Michael Schumacher when his current deal with Ferrari finishes at the end of the 2004 season, and the likelihood that Ferrari would attempt to secure the services of Montoya. Having a three yea contract with Montoya would have made this a lot more difficult for Ferrari. Frank Williams commented on this possibility by saying : "I fear that Juan will succeed Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. They are not stupid and will try to buy him off us. ‘I am certain they will soon make an offer." As for Ferrari's position on the matter Jean Todt had responded by saying: "We think Montoya is a good driver. His first year in Formula One, at the wheel of a competitive Williams car was a positive one." "However, Ferrari has never had any contact with him, either directly or indirectly. We do not wish to give any credence to those who might have an interest in promoting these rumours."

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