Sam Michael: Webber is Favourite for 2005 Seat

Williams technical director Sam Michael confirmed today at Montreal that Jaguar driver Mark Webber is the favourite to replace Juan Pablo Montoya at the team next season.

Colombian Montoya will join McLaren-Mercedes next season and Michael believes Webber, who is rated as a potential World Champion successor to Michael Schumacher, is the perfect choice to take his place.

When asked if Webber is the favourite for the drive Michael said: "Yes. He has the right mentality, he has an aggressive attitude in a positive sense and he seems like a good team player.

"He has been successful and very fast in any car he has ever driven - sportscars, Formula Fords and Formula One - he has definitely the majority of the time, with the exception of today, out-performed his teammates so he looks like a positive step."

Webber is currently tied in to Jaguar until the end of 2005 but it is understood that there are several get-out clauses that could be instigated to terminate his contract prematurely. Jaguar would not reveal what will allow the Australian to depart.

Williams have already discussed the future with Webber but Michael said: "It is obviously confidential but he is on the list and what his personal situation is with his contract is something that remains to be seen."

Williams could also be looking for a second new driver if Montoya's current teammate Ralf Schumacher decides to leave but Michael added: "That is something that will come out in the next few months but it is undecided."

Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who retired from BAR-Honda at the end of last season, is one of the most high-profile drivers who have been touted as a possible replacement.

And Michael said: "We had a meeting with Jacques just to get his latest position on what he wanted out of Formula One and whether he could fit into our future plans.

"There's obviously lots of things going on in the driver market and there's nothing guaranteed - we might consider a test (with Villeneuve) later in the year, but to say we will do is a bit premature.

"He obviously wants to do the job and seemed like a quite committed guy and wants to prove he is not over the hill. He's kept himself very fit, he's a very determined individual so there were positives."