'Lucky' Montoya Predicts Very Hard Race

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya claimed he was very lucky to score his third consecutive pole position in Saturday's qualifying for the European Grand Prix.

The Colombian fired in a quick lap of 1:29.906 to push German teammate Ralf Schumacher off the top spot with 12 minutes to go in a qualifying session brought forward to prevent a clash with World Cup soccer.

Ralf, who had looked a good bet for pole until then, was just nine thousandths of a second slower than Montoya.

"I've got to say I'm very pleased," said the Colombian. "I think that after all the problems we had this morning we didn't really have any good set-up information or anything, so we came into the qualifying a bit wondering what was going to happen.

"Between we two drivers there's nothing in it really. It's a matter of luck and I've got to say I was very lucky to get it. It's great for the team."

Montoya already started from pole position at the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix, but have failed to finish both races due to mechanical problems.

The Williams driver was using the softer option of the Michelin tyres today, while his teammate Ralf opted for the harder compound, just like Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, and Montoya admitted that the tyres will play a vital role in tomorrow's race.

"I think it's going to be a very hard race for us," he said. "I think tyres are going to play a big part, either one or the other, so we will see what happens."