Montoya Enjoying First Suzuka Outing

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya enjoyed on Friday his first experience of the Suzuka circuit as he set the second quickest time of today's free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Williams driver finished more than half a second behind Jean Alesi, who finished the day on top, but was nevertheless pleased with his progress. Montoya, who had never raced at the technical Japanese track, was delighted with the challenges of the circuit.

"The track is brilliant and you really have got to drive it," admitted Montoya. "It is one of those tracks where you have got to push in every corner, it is very exciting. It is quite tricky, you have to time it right and you can slide the car round. I do enjoy it.

"The car is fine, we have to decide which tyre we are going to use, but both look okay as Michelin have done a good job for here."

Ralf Schumacher, on the other hand, was not as happy as his teammate, the German driver finishing the session in ninth place. Schumacher admitted he was not pleased with his Williams' handling and said the team would have to work hard before qualifying.

"We didn't get the set-up how we wanted it today," said Schumacher. "I had too much understeer and, due to a minor electronic problem, I could not do as many laps as I wanted to. We haven't made the decision which tyres to use yet, so until tomorrow we have some work to do."