I'm Here to Race, Says Montoya

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya said today that he is not in Formula One to intimidate anyone - but warned his rivals he will continue to take every chance that comes his way in a bid to win the world title this year.

Montoya was criticised by Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn after his daring overtaking move on Michael Schumacher at last weekend's European Grand Prix left the German World Champion in the gravel trap. Montoya admitted he was very happy with the move.

"I'm not here to intimidate anybody," said Montoya. "I am here to race and I thought that move was pretty cool. It was a pretty good move. I was pretty happy afterwards."

Montoya said Brawn's outburst, which came before Schumacher admitted the crash was simply a racing accident, was "probably more from frustration than anything" and said he understood why the Briton had hit out.

Schumacher's closest Championship rival Kimi Raikkonen, of McLaren-Mercedes, had already retired from the race through engine failure and Ferrari needed to score as many points as possible to take advantage of the situation.

The collision cost Schumacher, who was second at the time, valuable championship points as he eventually finished fifth and Montoya said: "I think he (Brawn) was frustrated. For him, that race was very important to finish high up because Kimi was out of the race but I think people know when I'm behind that if I get a chance I'm going to go for it.

"I think this is really good. We are only a few points behind Ferrari and (the Championship) looks like a realistic task to do. I thought that you would see us more and more as the year progressed. I thought we'll be right there and we are.

"I hope so (that I'm a championship challenger). There is always a possibility (of winning the title) and we'll try hard. But we'll have to wait and see what happens - and I think this weekend should be good for us."