Montoya Predicts Tough Fight with Renault
Juan Pablo Montoya is predicting a big fight with Renault for victory in this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, despite seeing World Championship leader Fernando Alonso end the first day of practice at the top of the timesheets
Alonso's fastest lap was almost seven tenths clear of Montoya's best effort, but the Colombian is confident that if McLaren get it together in qualifying then they should be in good shape for the win.
"I think it was a good day," said Montoya. "Today's lap time doesn't really say too much but I am very pleased where we are. We have done a lot of work on the set-up and we are definitely moving forward.
"The opportunities for Sunday are very good, the car looks very good, it's quick, but the Renault looks quite strong too, so it is going to be a tough race with the Renaults. The key here is set-up, you get a good balanced car and you are in business."
He added: "Being able to qualify is going to be the key, but you also need to be consistent in the race. I think we are in good shape to be at the front. The possibilities of winning are there, the question is where are we going to qualify. We need to put two good qualifying laps together then see what happens."
Montoya feels that he is better prepared to do well in Monte Carlo than he was at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he was making his Formula One return after a shoulder injury.
And although he admits that he is still not back to 100 percent fitness, he is hopeful that the crash and spin that marred his Barcelona weekend will not be repeated this time out.
"I think it was good to get everything going wrong out of the way in Spain," he explained. "I am getting more comfortable. I should have been on the podium at the last race even with all the things that happened, so I am not too concerned about the pace.
"Kimi did a fantastic race last weekend and he deserved that win. I am not too bothered, I was in a lot of pain and I was actually more than happy to get to the end. The shoulder is not 100 percent yet but it is a lot better."
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