Montoya not despondent

Juan Pablo Montoya was still his usual ebulient self despite the 1.5s gap between Ferrari and Williams at the end of the opening day's practice in Melbourne.

Montoya finished fourth quickest overall, behind team mate Ralf Schumacher and Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.

"It's all right," he said, "We don't know what's going on at Ferrari and I'm surprised because they are really quick, but we'll have to see what happens."

Montoya feels more confident about a strong showing on his second visit to the Australian circuit and was just 0.05s behind team mate Schumacher.

"It's a lot easier this time around. When I got out on the track I knew where to brake, which kerbs to use and which not to use. So far, so good.

"As far as the car is concerned, I was probably misquoted because I never said that this year's car is not better than last year's. I think it is. It needs work, but it is definitely a step forward."

Asked what had been learned after the opening day of the season, however, team boss Frank Williams said: "There is always room to learn and what we did learn again, unfortunately, was that Ferrari are in a class of their own."