Villeneuve Says Not to Blame

McLaren suffered a further blow to their chances of taking the constructors' title after one lap when Colombian Montoya, the winner in Brazil, piled into the tyre barrier.

The incident, which stewards placed under investigation with Villeneuve also seemingly involved, brought out the safety car for seven laps as marshals cleared Montoya's wrecked car from the edge of the track.

The Colombian said Villeneuve had pushed him off the track.

"I went to pass him on the outside and he pushed me off the circuit," Montoya said. "He blocked me left so I went to the right and he went onto my line and I ran out of road."

Villeneuve, however, said he had not even seen the McLaren driver.

"I never even saw him so I have no idea what he might have been trying to do when he went off," said Villeneuve, who went on to finish in 11th place.

"We changed my strategy after the safety car came out, but once the others who had already pitted came by ahead of me as I rejoined after refuelling I knew that was it," he added. "The car was good, and I think mine was faster than Felipe's.

"I was catching him at the end but big deal, we fought for 10th place. Not a glorious day."

Teammate Felipe Massa finished in 10th.