Montoya Driving Influenced by Penalty, Says Irvine

Outspoken Ulsterman Eddie Irvine has accused Colombian rival Juan Pablo Montoya of 'soft' racing, claiming the Colombian was too lenient at the start of the last Grand Prix in Brazil.

Williams driver Montoya was criticised for his aggressive moves when he clashed with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher as the pair came up to the fourth corner following a wheel-to-wheel battle from the start.

But Irvine said that Montoya had been too cautious at the first corner because penalties for aggressive driving had been introduced after the Williams driver clashed with Schumacher at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Montoya gave Michael too much room at the first corner," said Irvine. "He was obviously reacting to the stewards' decision in the previous race."

Tempers flared following the pair's clash at Interlagos and with Michael Schumacher battling the Williams pair of Montoya and his brother Ralf Schumacher, Irvine believes only one man can benefit from a potential feud. "It (a feud) will be good for Ralf," he said.

Meanwhile, Irvine is hoping the dismal conditions at Imola change this weekend, as he is not confident that his Michelin rain tyres will be able to perform in the San Marino race.

"I haven't tried the Bridgestones in a long time so I don't know what it is like, but you have to say it looks better than the Michelin at the minute," he added. "It is the situation in the race that is going to make the difference and the Bridgestones have always had the wider window."