Happy Montoya Thankful to Williams

Juan Pablo Montoya thanked his boss Sir Frank Williams for giving him the opportunity to make his name in Formula One after he handed the Williams team a parting victory gift in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Montoya, who joined Williams as a replacement for Briton Jenson Button in 2001, claimed his fourth victory for the team with a plucky performance to keep Finnish McLaren-Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen at bay.

He will now part company with the team after 68 races to join rival Raikkonen at McLaren but took the opportunity to thank Williams after a rollercoaster ride with the team in the last four seasons.

"I had four years with Williams, we had ups downs and everything and I think to close these four years with a win is unbelievable," said Montoya. "I want to thank Frank. I think I have thanked all the team except Frank, so thanks Frank."

Montoya scored 221 points for Williams and twice finished third in the World Championship ­ in 2002 and 2003 ­ and he was delighted to bring his career with them to an end in the best possible way.

He pushed hard before the first round of pitstops and passed Raikkonen after they pair ran side-by-side when they left the pits at the same time then paced his race perfectly to stay ahead.

"It has been fantastic," said Montoya. "It was a really hard race. The team told me that Kimi was going longer so right before the stop I managed to get a couple of laps that I think gave me enough to stay ahead of Kimi.

"I came out of the pits and I made one mistake and Kimi got up right behind me and I thought 'ooh, don't do anything stupid', just keep it on the road, and I did, I managed to get a good couple of laps at the end and keep ahead."