Montoya Not Expecting Miracles in Malaysia

Juan Pablo Montoya fears Williams may need a miracle to beat all-conquering Ferrari in the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Colombian finished fifth in the season-opening race in Melbourne, one behind Williams team mate Ralf Schumacher, but neither driver was in serious contention.

"I don't really expect a miracle," said Montoya, third in the World Championship last year. "It's very hard to say we are going to have a miracle...or say it's a car that's going to win some races."

Six times World Champion Michael Schumacher led a Ferrari one-two in Australia, evoking memories of 2002 when the team won 15 out of 17 races. Williams are hopeful of a better result in the scorching heat of Sepang on Sunday, and also in Bahrain on April 4.

Like McLaren and Renault, they use Michelin tyres, which last year performed better in hot conditions than Ferrari's Bridgestones. Montoya was unsure what Williams' pace will be during the weekend.

"We might surprise ourselves and have a car that is quick enough to win here," he said. "Or maybe we'll surprise ourselves by being 10th. It's very hard to judge."

The 28-year-old, tipped as a future World Champion, acknowledged it could take time for Williams to be competitive.

"Melbourne showed we still need to do quite a lot of work," he said. "We're on the right track but it's a shame we're not quicker or as quick as we wanted to be. It might take some time to find more pace, but we should be stronger here."