Montoya Urges Michelin to Improve Tyres

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticised his Michelin tyres after low temperatures at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday left him struggling for grip.

Montoya battled hard with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher in the early part of the race, but was eventually beaten into second place when Schumacher passed him and headed into the distance. The Colombian was quick to point out that, as he had experienced last season, the low temperatures seemed to once again affect Michelin's tyres more than rivals Bridgestone.

"When the car was good we were as fast as Michael but when we go through the same thing as last year there is no chance," said Montoya. "I think we have shown that especially the wet and intermediate needs to be a lot more competitive."

Once the four-time World Champion German was past the Williams car did not have the pace to keep up and Montoya is hoping the heat of Malaysia will help turn around the form book.

"Ferrari definitely had the edge on us here because the conditions were not the best for our tyres," Montoya said. "Hopefully in Malaysia it will be hotter. That could play into our hands a bit."