Montoya: Championship Stress Getting to Me

Juan Pablo Montoya is more worried about Michael Schumacher than Rubens Barrichello, despite the Brazilian's strong showing in opening qualifying for Sunday's United States Grand Prix.

Montoya, three points behind Schumacher in the Drivers' Championship table, has also admitted he is feeling nervous about the pressures building up around their showdown races here at the Indianapolis Speedway on Sunday and in Japan in two weeks time.

"Michael is eighth, but he is the one I am bothered about, not Rubens," said the Colombian on Friday afternoon. "He is chasing the Championship, not Rubens. But, yes, it feels good to be fifth, if Michael is eighth. The most important thing for me is to stay ahead of the other two guys. That is what gives me a good feeling. I don't really care where Rubens ends up."

Montoya also said he felt confident about his car and his prospects, but conceded: "I think the stress of fighting for the Championship is starting to get to me a bit now. I can feel it building up. Today, the car was good. It felt fine. The top speed was okay and the handling was okay too. I think in the race it will be important to have a good start and to stay cool.

"I am not interested in speculating. Even if you gave me some money to place a bet, you know what I'd do? I'd take the money and walk away and put it in my pocket and just go somewhere nice and then spend it on myself. I am not betting on anyone. Not me. Not Michael. Not Kimi. It's too close for that."