Montoya backs early McLaren exit

Montoya announced on Sunday he would race until the end of the season with McLaren before joining up with former CART team boss Chip Ganassi for a multi-year deal to drive in the NASCAR Nextel Cup.

However, he and McLaren then reached a mutual agreement yesterday to end their relationship immediately, leaving the Colombian more time to learn about stock car racing before next season.

The Colombian will stay associated with Mercedes owners' DaimlerChrysler, who also owns the Dodge brand Montoya will race with in stock cars.

"It is about us all working together and what is the best for me and what is the best for DaimlerChrysler," Montoya said.

"Everything is pretty easy and it is not a matter of releasing me, it is a matter for DaimlerChrysler.

"It is in their interest for me to learn [NASCAR]. We were completely out of the drivers' championship and so we decided to not waste time. The more time I can use to focus on America and next year's deal the better.

"But at this point it is middle of the season and it is important for me to get up speed, and not to disturb the way the team here is developing because I got released. At the end of the day the main focus is 2007."

Montoya, however, did notice one difference immediately between Formula One and NASCAR following his visit to Chicagoland on Sunday.

"I've been in Formula One for six seasons," he added. "I have only been to the Williams motorhome and the McLaren motorhome. Nowhere else.

"And within ten minutes of being in the NASCAR paddock, Jimmie Johnson was inviting me into his motorhome, and Roger Penske and Jeff Gordon and everyone. Everybody is just nice in NASCAR and it is just great to see people enjoying the sport."