Championship Not Over Yet, Says Montoya

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya admitted on Friday that Michael Schumacher has 'one hand' on the Formula One World Championship - but insisted that the title race is far from over.

Reigning champion Schumacher is on course for a record-equalling fifth crown, which would emulate Juan Manuel Fangio's feat, after winning five of the seven races so far this season. The German's haul of 60 points puts him 33 clear of Williams pair Montoya and his brother Ralf, who are tied in second place in the standings.

Montoya admitted that the results to date make Schumacher, who inherited one of the five victories after Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello allowed him to win in Austria, the clear favourite, but insisted anything could still happen.

"In a way you could say he has got one hand on the trophy, but that could change," Montoya said. "If things start to change with the tyres, you could probably see his advantage going plop, plop, plop and disappearing.

"He is about 30 points ahead so if he gets two non-finishes and I win two races I am within ten points of him - but if it is going to change then it has got to change soon otherwise it is out of the question."

Montoya insisted that Schumacher is beatable and claimed that despite the obvious talent of the German, he has benefited from having the best package in the sport provided to him by Ferrari.

"I don't think the guy is unbeatable," he added. "There are quite a few drivers in the paddock who could do the job he is doing."