Montoya '95% Certain' of Staying at Williams

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya said on Thursday that he is "95 percent certain" to stay with Williams for 2003 and insisted that there are just a few details to complete before he seals the deal.

Montoya's contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and the Colombian denied reports that the new deal has already been signed, but added it will not be long before it is completed.

"I don't think it will take too long now," he said. "There is really no problems at the moment, it is probably 95 percent certain I will be here next year, it is just a matter of getting everybody happy."

Montoya has started from pole in the last five Grands Prix and is currently the team's top scorer, with 34 points to teamate Ralf Schumacher's 32, having outpaced the German in recent Grands Prix.

Schumacher is contracted for another year while Montoya has been embroiled in contract discussions, insisting that the final negotiations are not over the financial package the team will offer him.

And the Colombian added that although the rumour-mill is lining him up to join Ferrari when Schumacher retires, it is unlikely he will move to the Italian team in the near future - even if Schumacher is forced into retirement.

"The future can change very quickly," said Montoya. "If McLaren or Williams start to build a winning car, or I start to beat Michael every race, then Michael's retirement would be very close.

"But I don't think I will be going to Ferrari any time soon to be honest. Not because I wouldn't want to, it's just there has not been any approach from them whatsoever. Never."