Montoya targets Monza third

Juan Pablo Montoya won the Italian Grand Prix in 2001, but this season the Colombian reckons the best BMW Williams can realistically hope for is third place, even though Monza is one of the circuits that suits it best

"It is looking increasingly difficult for us to achieve the same result this year," said Montoya. "I think it's going to prove hard to beat Ferrari. It seems at the moment that with the equipment we have got that third place would equate to a win."

The chief aim for Montoya and the BMW Williams team is to maintain second place in the constructors' championship.

"Our priority must be to extend the lead ahead of our direct rivals, McLaren," commented Ralf Schumacher.

BMW motorsport director Gerhard Berger also has his eye on the battle with McLaren.

"A 29-point lead would normally be enough to reach our target," said Berger. "Looking at the three races to come, it is Monza where we should have the best chance of a good result. In terms of engine power we will bring another improvement to Monza and I am keen to see how our duel with McLaren will unfold."