Ferrari have denied approaching Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya as a potential partner for Michael Schumacher. "We think Montoya is a good driver," team boss Jean Todt said on the Ferrari website. "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."
Montoya's manager also denied reports that Ferrari wanted Montoya next season as a long-term replacement for four times world champion Schumacher. "It's nice to know that other teams are interested but he is under contract to Williams," said Julian Jakobi.
A source close to Williams suggested that the report may be linked with Montoya's pay negotiations with his current employers. The Colombian is believed to be paid far less at present than team mate Ralf Schumacher, who is under contract to 2004. Michael Schumacher is also under contract until the end of 2004, but his current team mate, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, is only signed up as far as the end of this year.
Montoya has an impressive debut season with Williams, winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September. He said last year that he would not be interested in a move to world champions Ferrari as long as Schumacher was still recognised as the clear number one at the team.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
