Feature: Watch Out When 'Mad' Montoya is About

Juan Pablo Montoya understandably hesitated when reporters questioned his sanity today.

But the Colombian assured Formula One fans he would never tire of overtaking Michael Schumacher or anybody else whenever he had a chance.

"Am I mad? That's a good question. A little bit. Why what have I done?" said the puzzled Williams driver at the French Grand Prix.

The line of questioning followed comments by Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn at last weekend's European Grand Prix after Montoya's daring overtaking manoeuvre on Schumacher sent the World Champion spinning into the gravel.

"It was a very crude overtaking move, he is not a classy driver in that respect," said Brawn.

"Mad Montoya" declared one British newspaper headline in the aftermath.

Schumacher played down the fuss after the race, saying it was a regular racing incident, while Frank Williams was delighted: "Watch out when Juan's about," he said.

"It was a good move - and just what television needs," Thursday's Autosport magazine quoted him as saying. "If they said that was worth a penalty it would have been the kiss of death for overtaking in Formula One."

Ferrari Frustration

Montoya shrugged his shoulders.

"It was probably more frustration than anything else," he said of Brawn's comments.

"I think he was frustrated, that race was very important for Michael to finish high up because Kimi (Raikkonen) was out of the race. He (Brawn) was frustrated he couldn't finish where he wanted to.

"I thought it was pretty cool," he said. "I thought it was a pretty good move...I was pretty happy afterwards."

The Colombian has a track record of tangling with Schumacher, and he said Williams had told him before the race that he wanted to see "some proper racing".

"I was very pleased I could do something for him," he said.

"It's not the first time we've come together and probably not the last," added Montoya of his rivalry with Schumacher.

"I think people know that when I'm behind, if they make a mistake I am going to go for it. I'm pretty much that way. I'm not really here to intimidate anybody but to race and racing includes overtaking as far as I remember.

"I think it's good, good for racing and for the fans. People get a crack out of it. I was very pleased with the overtaking."

The Colombian is fourth in the Championship, 19 points behind Schumacher, but said he saw no reason why he should not be considered a Championship challenger.

"I hope so," he said. "There's always a possibility. I don't think it will be easy but we have to wait and see what happens...I think this weekend should be very good for us.

"Last year it was a Michelin weekend and everybody with Michelins found a way to throw it away. This year I think we are in a bit better position."

Williams have won two of the last three races and France is also expected to suit their car and tyres. Montoya started on pole position at Magny-Cours last year and finished fourth ahead of team mate Ralf Schumacher in fifth place.