Montoya sets his sights high

The BMW-Williams ace said he is not racing for the record books, however, but for his love of the sport. The Colombian, who was 26 last Thursday, scored his maiden F1 victory in the Italian Grand Prix 11 days ago after four near misses and a string of mechanical problems have frustrated his attempts to break his duck.

One win and three poles in the last four races, and two fastest laps in his first 15 Grands Prix, have helped build his gathering reputation as a major star of the future.

Montoya has already achieved more in his first season than either his idol, Senna, who won three world titles before his death at Imola in 1994, or Schumacher, who holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories.

"I want a long career in Formula One," said Montoya. "It would be nice to match what Senna and Michael have done. I am not doing it because I want to be famous, or because someone says I am a genius. I am doing this because I love it."