Keep an eye on Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya could prove to be a fly in the ointment for Ferrari in the Austrian Grand Prix despite the red cars apparently enjoying a significant advantage

Although Ralf Schumacher's Williams qualified within three tenths of Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari, it is felt that the Bridgestone tyres on the Ferraris are likely to be more stable over a race distance. Montoya, however, did a fine job to haul his Williams on to the second row bearing in mind that he is on the harder of Michelin's two available compounds, while Schumacher Jr and the two McLarens are on the softer tyre.

What that means is that Montoya is able to use new tyres at the start of the race while it is understood that those drivers on the softer Michelin will have to start on scrubbed rubber. If Montoya can get off the line well, using the power of his BMW V10, he should be quick over the first couple of laps and could prove to be something of a spoiler, as he was in the early stages last year.

Considering that the Colombian had a misfire with his own chassis in qualifying and had to take the Williams T-car, complete with team mate Schumacher's settings, his fourth place was creditable. In the warm-up, however, he was only 18th quickest and it will be interesting to see how he fares as the race progresses.