Montoya Aims to Avoid Barrichello Clash Repeat

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya is looking to win tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix, while he avoids clashing with Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello for the second time in a row.

The Brazilian will line up on the front row alongside Colombian Montoya, the Williams driver whose title aspirations were ended at the last race at Indianapolis when the two collided. Montoya received a penalty that cost him all his chances of a good result.

"It's up to me to get ahead of Rubens, hopefully without touching this time," said Montoya after posting the second fastest time today.

Ferrari and Williams are fighting for the Constructors' Championship, with the Italian team three points clear of the BMW-powered one.

"I am obviously pleased with my qualifying position, especially because the balance of my car wasn't ideal throughout my lap, due to the fact that we made some changes to the setup since this morning's practice sessions, in accordance with our weather forecast for tomorrow," added Montoya.

"However, I am sure we've got a very consistent and strong car for the race. It's a shame that Ralf will have to start from the back, as we really need to score as many points as possible for the Constructors' title."

Montoya's teammate Ralf Schumacher starts from the back row after spinning off the slippery track.

"Everything was going so perfectly this weekend, even after this morning's session," said the German. "I just had bad luck with the weather conditions in qualifying. I tried to make the best out of it, but it just did not work out. It was actually useless, I could have come in straight away. Then I eventually spun.

"I will have to start from the back of the grid and it will be very difficult to overtake and it is going to be a tough race. We need points for the Constructors' Championship and I'll fight hard, but that is the way it is today."