Ferrari said to want Montoya

The world champion team has been impressed by the Colombian's performances since he began racing in Formula 1 last year, and is eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Michael Schumacher, claims BBC Sport Online.

But if Montoya did join Ferrari for next year, he would replace Brazilian Rubens Barrichello and race alongside Schumacher. The German's contract runs until the end of 2004, when it is widely thought he will retire from the sport. That means Montoya would have to race alongside Schumacher for two years, something he may not be willing to do. He has said before that the priority status given to the four-time world champion would put him off becoming Schumacher's team-mate at Ferrari.

What might tempt Montoya to quit Williams for the Italian outfit would be a much higher salary. But neither team would comment on the story. "Regarding this, we have nothing to declare," said a Ferrari spokeswoman. "There is no confirmation."

Team boss Frank Williams said: "We do not discuss contractual matters in public."