Schumacher Unfazed by Montoya Challenge

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher says he is not worried about having to fight with rival Juan Pablo Montoya at the start of the Spanish Grand Prix tomorrow.

Schumacher will start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix on pole position and next to Montoya, the rival who called him 'blind or stupid' after they clashed in the last race.

The six-times Formula One World Champion, qualifying for the 200th Grand Prix of his career, will be favourite to extend his perfect start to the season with a record-equalling fifth victory in a row. If he does, it will be his sixth Spanish success and fourth in a row at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The pole was the 59th of Schumacher's career, leaving him six short of Brazilian Ayrton Senna's record, and his fourth of the season. There could be sparks at the start however, after Montoya and Schumacher collided on the first lap at the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago as the Colombian tried a daring overtaking manoeuvre.

"We had an interesting fight in Imola and we'll find out whether we have one tomorrow," said the German after qualifying. "But it's part of racing to have a battle. I have no problem with that."

"We'll have to wait and see what happens when we get there, don't you think?" grinned Montoya, who is on the front row for the first time this season, at a post-qualifying news conference with Schumacher alongside.

The return of Schumacher to his familiar slot at the front of the grid looked inevitable when BAR's Jenson Button ran wide, kicking up a shower of dust. His time was the 14th fastest, 2.5 seconds slower than Schumacher.

"I guess we cannot know what it would have been had Jenson got a good lap in," said Schumacher, who was a hefty 0.617 seconds quicker than Montoya. "I guess it would have been less."