Montoya Upbeat for Indianapolis Race

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya is looking to score his first victory of the year at next week's United States Grand Prix following the disappointment of Italy last weekend.

The Colombian is hoping to become the first driver to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Montoya won the Indy 500 in 2000, before moving to Formula One in 2001 with the Williams squad.

In last year's race, Montoya looked set to score his second Grand Prix win when his BMW engine gave up. The Colombian is aiming to put those memories behind and finally clinch an elusive first win in the 2002 season.

"I think it would mean a lot," Montoya said about adding another victory at Indianapolis. "I have quite a memory of there. Last year I was very close. I was very competitive. It'll be my second time, but it probably won't be the last time I go there.

"I think my expectations are higher than normal. I think I have a pretty good chance."

A problem with his car at Sunday's Italian Grand Prix ruined all his chances of a podium finish after having started from pole position with the fastest ever lap in Formula One history. Montoya, however, was out of contention for victory before retirement, with the two dominant Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher clearly ahead of him.

The Colombian says a big part of the Italian team's success comes from their close co-operation with Japanese tyre suppliers Bridgestone.

"It's hard. At the moment, he's got better equipment. And sometimes it's Rubens," added Montoya. "I do want to beat Michael. I think the performance of the car on old tires is not good. Sometimes we're not quick enough. It's frustrating, but I can't do anything about it."

Montoya, winner of the Italian race last year, is currently in third place in the drivers' standings, 17 points behind Barrichello and two ahead of his own teammate Ralf Schumacher.