Montoya: That's racing

The Williams star admitted that his retirement was a shame, but said that the team can comfort itself with the knowledge that it has the potential to win races.

"The guys did a great job all weekend, and I'm not angry, what happened was just racing," said Montoya. "Right from the start we were looking really good and everything was working to plan. Even when some drizzle came I was catching Michael at a rate of two seconds a lap, which I think clearly shows the FW25 has some potential, the team is going in the right direction and the Michelins are working well.

"Then I started losing water pressure and I knew the race was over. A shame, but at least we know we have the potential to win."

BMW's motorsport director, Mario Theissen, admitted that the team knew that Montoya was having trouble with his water pressure from the start of the race.

"Of course it's disappointing if you retire from the lead of a race," said Theissen. "We were aware that a regulation standard valve which limits water pressure was not operating correctly. The cooling system continuously lost water, and obviously without water even the best engine cannot survive."