Williams duo play down victory chances

Montoya believes the FW23, which took Schumacher to victory in Imola two weeks ago, does not suit the sweeping curves of the Barcelona track, while the German feels that the Grove-based team is likely to be hindered by an under-developed traction control system.

"I think I can beat Ralf," said Montoya, who has yet to finish a race this season. "It is not going to be easy - just as it isn't easy for him to beat me. He has raised his game a lot since last year. He was not so quick and I don't think he was as bothered about the car then, but now the car has the potential to win.

"We have tested here [at Barcelona] quite a bit and found the circuit does not suit the car very much and it has not been very competitive here. It should be all right because I know the circuit, but there is a lot of work to do."

Schumacher, who finished third in Friday's first free practice session, expressed doubts about the team's traction control system earlier this week. The banned driver aid makes a return to F1 this weekend and BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen admitted the system requires more development time.

"We have been quite busy, although we are still in the development process," said Theissen. "It has not been finished yet even though we will have something for this race.

"I know it won't be the optimum we can achieve. That will take experience because it is not just about engine parameters. Traction control is about many factors like the manufacturers, the track, the tyres, the car, even the style of driving. In my view it is something to be developed over a season."

Montoya finished seventh in the first free practice, four places behind Schumacher. Competition between the pair is rife and the 25-year-old does not expect friendship to blossom.

"He is doing his bit and I am doing mine," said Montoya. "I don't think you ever have a friendship relationship with a driver who is competitive."