Gene Eyes Montoya's Job for 2005

Spanish test driver Marc Gene has staked his claim for Juan Pablo Montoya's job at Williams when the Colombian leaves the Formula One team for McLaren next season.

Gene, who has been test driver at BMW-powered Williams since he raced for Minardi in 2000, finished a creditable fifth at last year's Italian Grand Prix as a replacement for Ralf Schumacher.

He said at the launch of the team's new FW26 car in Spain on Monday that it might be a long shot but he would still be doing his utmost to persuade Williams to promote him.

"It is more difficult being a contender when you are not racing every weekend," said Gene. "But at the same time I know that the team were impressed with Monza and I know I am considered.

"I am not the only one. There are other drivers considered and it's not going to be easy to prove that I can be number one for that seat but to know that I am going to be considered really encourages me. I will push even harder than ever to try to get this seat which is going to be very difficult to get."

The drive being vacated by Montoya is one of the most sought-after in Formula One and will become even more so this year if Williams' radical-looking new car proves to be a Ferrari-beater.

Most of the top drivers would be eager to fill Montoya's shoes, with McLaren's David Coulthard just one of those likely to be looking for a new team in 2005. Gene said his Monza experience had at least reminded people of his abilities.

"After Monza things improved dramatically," he said. "The interest from other teams really grew. I was talking to the same teams before and after Monza but after Monza their interest was very clear."