Ralf eyes Indy win

"Some people said that Monza was going to be our last chance for a victory this season, but in my opinion our car will also suit the Indy track," said the German. "After both Juan and I didn't finish in Italy, our performance in the US will be even more carefully scrutinised and we will be looking for a better result. The long full-throttle sector suits our engine, but it will be very difficult to find the right compromise with the winding infield."

Should Montoya take the win next Sunday, he would become the first driver to have won the Indy 500 and the Indy Grand Prix. The Colombian was very much on the pace there last year before he retired and he's relishing the opportunity of competing on one of his favourite tracks.

"The Speedway is a good competitive circuit as it is very fast and strategy can come into play in the race outcome," he said. "I think it is probably one of the best circuits for overtaking, having such a long straight and Turn 1 into the oval is an especially good place for passing. The trick is to get fairly close to the car in front of you by the end of the straight before trying to pass."

Both Montoya and Schumacher need to win if they are to stand any chance of beating Rubens Barrichello to second place in the drivers' championship. The Brazilian has 61 points to Montoya's 44 and Ralf's 42. With a maximum of 20 points still available the Ferrari driver needs only to finish fourth or higher to secure his best ever championship finish.