Montoya: Dario only CART ace 'fit for F1'

Williams-BMW ace Montoya told this week's Autosport magazine that Franchitti, who finished second to the Colombian in the 1999 CART championship, stands out from the current crop of drivers in the US-based series as the only one with the skill and experience to cut it in F1.

The 25-year-old Colombian made the switch himself to F1 this year and, despite a poor finishing record, has notched up two second places.

"Dario could have a chance," Montoya told Autosport. "He had a test here with Jaguar last year, but it wasn't so good, so the final decision is up to him. Apart from Franchitti, I don't see anybody who could do it. Bruno Junqueira has had a test drive in F1, but he has still got to learn a little bit. He has been quick, but he has also made some silly mistakes."

Franchitti crossed the Atlantic to test for Jaguar at Silverstone a year ago this week, managing to fit a day's testing in between consecutive Champ Car races. The Team Kool Green driver drove the uncompetitive R1, but had limited running due to car problems.

Nevertheless, Jaguar Racing CEO Bobby Rahal has always maintained his high regard for Franchitti, but Dario insists F1 is still at the back of his mind and he is only likely to make the switch next year if he is given a competitive seat.

"I'm still up for F1, if the right thing comes along," said Franchitti. "I don't think it will be next year, but I'm still up for it. Let's just wait and see.

"I'm glad that Juan Pablo appreciated all the hassle I gave him in the couple of years that he was here. We always had some good races, especially in '99, when it was really only him and me pace-wise. It's nice that he has said this about me."

Montoya and 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve are the only two drivers to have tasted success in Grand Prix racing after coming over from Champ Cars in recent years.

Double CART champion Alex Zanardi struggled when he joined the Williams team in 1998 and failed to score a single point. Michael Andretti joined McLaren in 1993, also with little success, and was replaced by Mika Hakkinen before the end of the year.