Grapevine: Ferrari Launch Audacious Bid to Sign Montoya

Ferrari have launched an audacious bid to pair Juan Pablo Montoya with World Champion Michael Schumacher for the 2003 season, according to the BBC.

Montoya's contract with Williams expires at the end of the 2002 season, although the Grove-based team may have an option on the Colombian for 2003 as well. However, Ferrari plan to sign the Colombian sensation as a replacement for Rubens Barrichello, whose contract expires at the end of 2002

Brazilian Barrichello's contract with Ferrari will finish at the end of the coming season and officials from the Italian team have allegedly sanctioned a move for Montoya, who they see as a long-term replacement for German Schumacher.

A source close to Williams claimed that team boss Frank Williams is prepared to give 26-year-old Montoya a major pay rise in a bid to stave off the interest from Ferrari. If Montoya does join Ferrari, Williams could then exercise an option to bring Briton Jenson Button back to the team in 2003 and pair him with Ralf Schumacher.

But team boss Williams told the BBC: "We do not discuss contractual matters in public." And a Ferrari spokesperson added: "Regarding this, we have nothing to declare. There is no confirmation."

Montoya, who won the Italian Grand Prix in his debut season in Formula One last year, is expected to mount a serious challenge for Schumacher's title this season.