JPM disappointed, but upbeat for Japan

Montoya started from third on the grid at Indianapolis and made a clean getaway to challenge Michael Schumacher for the lead into the first corner. The Colombian had to settle for second, but found himself in the lead later in the race after muscling his way past the world champion.

However, after taking his maiden win at Monza two weeks ago, a repeat performance wasn't to be. Montoya, who has had six mechanical failures so far this year, slowed on the pit straight just after the halfway point on lap 39, with a suspected hydraulic problem.

"We were doing really well today until I stopped with what I think was hydraulic failure," said a surprisingly upbeat Montoya after the race. "It is a bit disappointing as I think we could have got a win here which would have been my second F1 win."

Montoya has made a big impression during his rookie season in Formula 1 and has taken pole position at two of the last three races. The 26-year-old has made no secret of the fact that he is not afraid to take the fight to Schumacher and has pulled off two moves to take the lead from the German this year in Brazil and on Sunday at the Brickyard.

"Two back to back wins would have been brilliant," said Montoya. "It didn't happen, but we still have the last race [Japan]. As for the overtaking manoeuvre on Michael it was good fun. I really enjoyed it - I was just going for it basically."

The former CART champion is currently in sixth place in the world championship, nine points behind McLaren's Mika Hakkinen. A win at Suzuka in a fortnight would move the Williams driver up into fifth, but he needs Hakkinen, who took his second win of the season at Indy, not to score in his final race before a taking a sabbatical next year.