Montoya Surprised by Rivals' Pace

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya said he was surprised by the pace set by the quickest drivers in today's practice for the San Marino Grand Prix.

Briton Jenson Button and his BAR team took the fight to dominant Ferrari by posting the quickest time of the session with his Honda-powered car.

Button, chasing his third successive podium after four seasons without finishing in the top three, lapped the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in 1:20.966. Williams driver Montoya, meanwhile, was down in seventh place over half a second behind Button.

"I am a bit surprised by the times achieved by some of the fastest drivers today, but we have to wait and see what happens in tomorrow's qualifying," said Montoya. "The track will be quicker and we might take advantage of this hot weather."

German teammate Ralf Schumacher wound up 10th fastest, but remained calm and said there was still room for improvement.

"First of all, I must say that for once I am not worried about not being at the top, since today we only concentrated on our job-list," said Schumacher. "We were able to go through our programme just as we wished to, with no problems at all.

"There is still room for improvement and I've got quite a lot of work ahead. Furthermore, the tyre choice will be crucial, even if I am sure we will make the right decision."