Montoya confident of race fitness

Montoya, who lines up alongside Ralf Schumacher at Williams this year, has been put on a regimented diet and exercise programme by the the Grove-based team in order to get fit for the start of the season.

Much is expected of Montoya, who became CART Champion in 1999 and also won the Indy 500 last year. He is tipped to become one of world champ Michael Schumacher's hottest rivals in the future and is suitably unfazed by his switch across the Atlantic, saying F1 cars are less demanding than their American equivalents.

"I think these cars are a bit less physical than Champ Cars, to be honest," said Montoya on the eve of his first official F1 practice session on Friday. "It's not that they are easy to drive, but you have so many driving aids like power steering that it makes your life a bit easier."

Montoya is confident of his physical condition and completed several race distances in the South African heat during winter testing at Kyalami without ill-effect. However, Schumacher has warned that drivers will face a tougher time than last year because the tyre war will mean increased g-forces.

"I don't think there will be a problem, to be honest," said Montoya. "I raced for the last two years in Champ Cars, which are heavier and have a bit more downforce and slick tyres. So I should be all right."

All eyes will be on the 25-year-old this year to see how he fares both against team mate Schumacher Jr, with whom sparks are expected to fly, and Button, who has moved to the Benetton team on a two-year loan from Williams.