European Grand Prix: Montoya Interview.

By Andrew Hooper
June 21 2002

 

 

  
Montoya Interview
 
Q: How disappointing was the Canadian Grand Prix?
Juan Pablo Montoya: The Canadian Grand Prix was a big disappointment for me. This year we have been getting closer and closer. We have been on pole for the last two races and nothing has happened. In that way, it has been a bit frustrating.

Juan Pablo celebrates pole in Canada.Q: You are normally very calm, so your behaviour in Montreal was very unusual. Why?

JPM: It was not as frustrating as it may have looked. I knew what people wanted to ask me and I knew what the answer was and I didn't want to talk about it. I talked to my engineer and said he did a good job. Shit happens. I didn't even talk to Frank (Williams) about it.

Q: You were catching Michael Schumacher at the time. How confident were you that you could take him on?


JPM: I know that we had a really good chance of catching Michael. With his blistered tyres, he was pretty screwed really and in the position I was in, it wouldn't have been that difficult to pass. He would have lost the traction with his blistered tyres and then that would have been his race. I have passed him before in equal conditions so I can't see any reason why I couldn't pass him again.

Q: Is it concerning you that the engine is the problem?

JPM: I don't know exactly what is going on with the engine. The engine hasn't changed. It is just something that has happened.

Q: You must be disappointed that you have lost your grip on the world championship?

JPM: Yes and in the last two races you could say that we have lost 14 points or something like that. But that is the way it has panned out so far and you can't change that.

Q: What are your prospects here at the Nürburgring?

JPM: Hopefully it will be a good race. I want the conditions to be anything but rain. The tyres have improved a lot but it is clear that we have got more chance of winning in the dry than the wet. Last year we were competitive here. Ferrari have got a bit more consistency than us but our tyres have improved a lot if it stays dry. It could be the most crazy race when it is dry and then rains five minutes later. Round here, you can never tell what is going to happen.

Q: What is the hardest thing about racing Michael Schumacher?

JPM: He has got a really good car. The guy is quick, and he is the one everyone wants to beat. But one of the reasons he is winning is because he has got the best car. It is not like Rubens is finishing last. They are always one-two. The team are also doing the job they need to be doing to win. They have got the package and that is the biggest difference.

Q: How were you passed by Rubens in the race?

JPM: I made a mistake. I braked and lost the rear on braking.

Q: Being a race driver you always have to drive on the limit. Do you think drivers live their lives more intensively because of their profession?

JPM: For me it is a normal life. It is difficult to say my life is more exciting that anyone else.

Q: Do you enjoy the pressure of Formula One?

JPM: I don't really take any notice of it.

Q: Have you ever been around the old circuit here?

JPM: Yes, last year. It is pretty wild, but it would be too expensive to race around there now.

Q: Are you already thinking about next year?

JPM: I never think past one race. I don't look at the points either. I don't know what points Michael has got. If it is two points then maybe I would. It is pointless looking any further ahead than that. You can't really change the way things have happened so now I have got to try and keep the ball rolling.

Q: What do you think about the changes to the track?

JPM: It is interesting. I think there will quite a few crashes in the first corner. It is very tight and different. The first corner is a bit too tight. The other part looks quite good. There will probably be more chance of overtaking but at hairpins there is usually a lot of contact.

Q: Are you aware that you are driving better than last year?

JPM: Yes. I understand the car better and am in more control. I understand more where the limit is. I think I am doing a good job and so is my engineer. Everyone in the team is doing a much better job.
 
 
Message Board

Bookmark or share this story with: