Montoya Relies on New Michelins for France Success

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya hopes to get improved results in next weekend's French Grand Prix, stating a new Michelin development should see his team run a strong race at the Magny Cours circuit.

"I think Magny-Cours is a pretty good circuit and it should prove to be a strong race for us," the Colombian, who finished third last week at the British Grand Prix, said. "It's Michelin's home ground and this makes it even more interesting. According to the development schedule, the team should benefit from some new tyres which will allow us to perform more consistently in the French GP."

Williams ran into several problems at Silverstone last week, most notably a fuel rig problem during Ralf Schumacher's pitstop. However the German believes these problems do not reflect the team's true form.

"Putting aside the problems we experienced with the fuel rig at Silverstone that we will

solve, last race showed that we have taken a considerable step forward in dry conditions," Schumacher said.

"The new aero package and our hard work testing tyres and traction control have pushed

us forward and have made us more competitive. We are improving step by step and the

same should be true at Magny-Cours as well."

Williams's main rivals, Ferrari, are in a position to clinch the World Drivers Championship in France, should Michael Schumacher win the race while his teammate Rubens Barrichello and the two Williams drivers finish off the podium. But Ralf Schumacher said that won't happen if he has anything to do with it.

"To be honest, I don't feel like congratulating my brother on his World Championship victory in France. I would prefer to delay this as much as possible!" he declared.