Montoya Predicts Tough Weekend for Williams

Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted his Williams team will endure a tough weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, but the Colombian said he is also confident of being closer to rivals Ferrari.

Montoya, second in the Championship standings after the first five races of the season, finished in third place in today's practice at the A1-Ring circuit, behind the two Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Championship leader Michael Schumacher.

The German has won the last three races with his Ferrari F2002, and though Montoya expects Williams to be closer to the Italian squad in Austria, the Colombian reckons it will be a hard Grand Prix for his team.

"We did quite a good job today and the car definitely improved throughout the two sessions," said Montoya. "We have been working on the set-up of the car and tyre evaluation. I think this is going to be a tough weekend but we hope to be closer to Ferrari here."

German Ralf Schumacher finished in 12th place today, more than one second off his teammate's pace.