Ralf Surprised at Montoya Move to McLaren

Ralf Schumacher revealed he was surprised to see Juan Pablo Montoya signing with rivals McLaren for the 2005 season, saying Williams did not fight enough to keep the Colombian driver.

"I was very surprised that Williams didn't keep Juan," Schumacher told The Guardian. "He is a top driver but they gave him the opportunity to leave. Juan felt he'd had enough and needed another challenge. But Williams didn't fight too hard to keep him.

"I think it's a shame to lose Juan. It's even more disappointing that he is moving to a strong team."

Schumacher, whose own contract with Williams expires at the end of 2004, said he expects Jenson Button to replace Montoya, but also said he wouldn't be surprised to see Australian Mark Webber in a Williams.

"I think Jenson Button would be a good bet," he said. "[But] Webber... Well, that would be much easier for me if it's Webber rather than Button."

Schumacher was recently critical of team owner Frank Williams, and in his interview with the British newspaper he repeated his claims that Williams had backed up on a deal at the end of last season.

"I had an agreement with Frank before the last race at Suzuka," the German said. "The contract was drawn up and I was ready to sign in Japan. But Frank didn't show up. I was told he'd changed his mind and wanted to talk more.

"He is a tough negotiator and always tries to get a better position for his team. I have no problem with that. But he changed his mind after we had reached agreement. So I said, 'OK, if you pull out of this contract then we shall have to wait and see what happens.' I stopped all negotiations. I don't want to talk about this contract now until later in the season."

"All that matters is that we have a very good car this year," Schumacher added. "I hope to stay at Williams, but you never know exactly what will happen in Formula One."