Ralf Plays Down Strife with Montoya

Ralf Schumacher has played down the much-publicised in-fighting between himself and Williams teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, saying there is no ill-feeling in the team.

"We have absolutely no conflict," Schumacher told Reuters. "We understand each other really well on the track and off it."

Earlier this month, Montoya was quoted on Colombia's Caracol Radio website as saying he was not at all interested in improving his relationship with the 26-year-old Schumacher. Michael Schumacher's younger brother won three races in 2001, helping Williams finish third in the Constructors' standings.

Montoya won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last month and has led several races in a debut season that has seen him widely hailed as Formula One's most exciting newcomer and a challenger to World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Ralf rated his teammate, along with himself, his Ferrari-driving brother and McLaren's David Coulthard as potential Championship winners next season.

He said there was no team ranking at Williams. "We drive in a two-car strategy, neither has priority," he said. "We have two relatively similar drivers who are in line to win - we proved that this year."