Grapevine: Williams Teammates Say All is Peachy

Williams Formula One team mates Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya have laughed off reports they don't get on.

Montoya, who will make his Formula One debut at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, said there was no truth to rumours the pair disliked each other.

And Schumacher, who has been in Formula One for four years, said it was dangerous for people to believe everything they read.

"It's not always true what's in the newspapers," he said.

Both drivers were keen to dismiss the issue as a media beat-up as they turned their attention to this weekend's season-opening race.

Schumacher, who finished third in last year's event behind older brother Michael and his Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello, said he would be happy to finish on the podium again.

Williams finished third in last year's constructor's championships behind Ferrari and McLaren and their main aim this season was to narrow the gap.

"Our target basically is to stay where we are and to attack the top teams once in a while, to maybe win a race," Schumacher said.

"I hope to be on the podium again, it would be great. It would be amazing."

Montoya is one of four rookies making their Formula One debuts at Albert Park this weekend but arrives with a huge reputation after winning the 1999 Champ Car series.

"I think for me this year is like a learning year," Montoya said. "If the car is good enough to win races, we have a chance. If the car isn't fast enough to win races we won't."

Schumacher said he had spoken to Michael about the upcoming season and while his older brother hadn't given away too many secrets, he had been typically confident of his chances of winning a fourth world title. "Michael seems to be pretty on top of everything. I think he's more relaxed about things," Ralf said.

"He just goes from race to race and tries to defend his title. I think he for himself is of the opinion that it is going to work out again as long as he doesn't have too many troubles."