Ralf Aims to Beat Montoya in 2002

German Ralf Schumacher wants to prove this year that he is a better driver than his teammate on the BMW-powered Williams team Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

In an interview in Thursday's Bild newspaper, Schumacher said he and Montoya had equal standing in the team that finished third last season overall behind Ferrari and McLaren. Schumacher won three Formula One races while Montoya, a rookie, won just one race but delighted in outqualifying his more experienced teammate in four of the last six races.

"We are both starting at zero," Schumacher said. "And obviously I will try to beat Juan Pablo. We are not friends. But we respect each other. May the best man win - I hope it's me."

Schumacher finished fourth on 49 points in the drivers' standings last year, while Montoya was sixth with 31 points.

Schumacher's older brother Michael is the defending champion with Ferrari and the clear favourite again this year. In November Ralf had complained he felt team boss Frank Williams was closer to Montoya, but in the Bild interview he played down such concerns.

"We both get the same support from the team," Schumacher added. "Whoever is ahead in the standings will perhaps get a bit more. That's why I have to make my mark on the track. I made mistakes off the track and have learned from them."

More Pressure

Schumacher conceded that had not spent enough time with his team in the past and he expected there to be more pressure this year.

"Last year I won three races and hopefully I'll be first more than that this year," he said. "The difference is that last year the wins were all surprises, while in 2002 people will expect more from me. As a result, the pressure is greater. But I can deal with that."

Schumacher said he believed Ferrari could be beaten.

"Michael and Ferrari were the standard bearers until now, but Michael knows that I can beat him," Schumacher said. "It's not something we have to talk about.

"The magic word this year is reliability. We had too many technical problems last year. Otherwise, there's a gap of only tenths of a second between us and Ferrari. I think we are entitled to dream about winning the World Championship. But our goal should be taking second place overall."

Schumacher has already revealed he will wear glasses when he races this year but has not worn them in testing yet as he was waiting for the delivery of a specially made pair.

"They aren't finished yet," he said. "Apparently they will fit under my helmet. I don't have a clue as to how that will look. I should be getting them next week and then I'll try them out."