View Full Version : montoya, the guy who least deserves a williams drive


pikachu
08-03-2003, 08:35 PM
fast or not, he is the least mature of all the f1 top runners. every comment coming out of his mouth, he has to make it related to himself. pre-race and post-race interviews,, always talking about himself and talking crap about the other drivers. who does this remind you of? nigel mansell; always thinking everyone else is out to get him. poor manners in front of the camera, immature comments, bad body language,,, just plain barbaric.

kaiservon
08-04-2003, 12:44 AM
tell us how you really feel. Funny how Montoya spurs a love/hate feeling. To this day I haven't encoutered a F1 fan who is neutral towards him.

///DavidC
08-04-2003, 01:24 AM
I dunno, maybe I'm the first because I have some mixed feelings about him. Mostly I care how he handles himself on the track, and working with the team. I definitely don't watch the post-race press conferences and think "WOW, I just hate this guy so much." or anything. :dunno

He seemed OK in that Trading Paint special with Jeff Gordon, that's probably the most I've seen him outside of the car and press confs.

It's not like MS hasn't made some barbs about other drivers in those same news conferences. And Montoya wouldn't exactly be the only F1 driver with a rep as an a-hole either.

I think JPM and Ralf both have some issues as drivers, but overall I'm happy to have them on "our" team. To be honest, I'd trade both for MS though. :D

Hawaii
08-04-2003, 03:41 AM
haha he is in 2cnd for the championship and he won today. i think he deserves it. and he acted fine at the press conference.

Charlie
08-04-2003, 10:02 AM
Montoya's a throwback to the F1 drivers of yesteryear. Everyone has sort of gotten used to the much more subdued, buttoned-down style of MS and guys like Hakkinnen and Raikkonnen that they're surprised when a driver speaks his mind. The only other driver on the circuit similar to Montoya would be JV, and he hasn't had a competitive car in 6 years, so we haven't heard lots of "official" comments out of him.

-Charlie

M3Buff
08-04-2003, 02:47 PM
Yup, hate the way he conducts himself off the track. Wonder how Mr. Hotshot would fare in a lesser car. I actually find myself sulking when JPM wins, and this despite me being a Williams fan...go figure :dunno

Well, I for one hope all those rumors about McLaren drawing him away Williams come true so that I can get back to blindly rooting for both the FW cars instead of just Ralf's.

B.Watts
08-04-2003, 03:14 PM
Originally posted by M3Buff
Wonder how Mr. Hotshot would fare in a lesser car.

The same way other exceptional drivers have faired in lesser cars...what's the point?

Well, I for one hope all those rumors about McLaren drawing him away Williams come true so that I can get back to blindly rooting for both the FW cars instead of just Ralf's.

Who exactly would you propose they hire to replace him? He's proven himself to be one of the best drivers in the sport this year.

jblack
08-04-2003, 03:23 PM
I think his somewhat abrasive personality helps him drive the way he does....I don't have to go to dinner with him, so what do I care? He wins.....

And as for JV.....he might have comparitivly lesser hardware to work with these days, but Jensen Button seems to kick his butt with the same hardware on a regular basis. I'd like to see him in "retirement" very soon.....

dngo
08-04-2003, 03:29 PM
Frankly, I find JPM's attitude to be a breath of fresh air. I hate how many drivers are noncommital in interviews and give very diplomatic answers. *I* could make up most of the things the drivers say - what's the point of asking a driver what he thinks if he won't tell you? At least we know what's going on in JPM's head.

JPM is very, very down to earth compared to some of the other drivers. I recall a story where someone posted that he had run into JPM karting at his father's place (in Florida, IIRC.) He worked on his own kart, was very friendly to people, submitted to plenty of picture and autograph requests, etc. This was the complete opposite of other famous drivers who had driven there, who expected preferential treatment. The most telling sign? The Williams team members love him.

Ralf is a selfish baby. A desire for team orders? Snide comments about his teammate? This year he's acted better, but I'd rather have Barrichello instead of Ralf driving for Williams.

Dave

stenney
08-05-2003, 12:13 AM
I've been to F1 at Indy for the last two years and he's done appearances at the BMW display both years. We waited in the crowd to see him. He's a good guy. He's got a lot of self belief, but that goes with the breed. Ralf hasn't done an appearance there either year just Juan. Last year his whole family was there including Connie.

KU Ned
08-05-2003, 11:02 AM
JPM is the man at BMW.Williams. Unlike Ralf, JPM is not affraid to challenge Lord Michael and Ferrari. I have seen many reports that the crew and team personnel like JPM much better because he treats them as equals.

Ralf complains more than anyone I know. He wins two race and thinks he is the dominate driver on the team? Last I looked JPM beat him in points last year and was leading even before the German GP.

I like JPM's candid statements and aggressive driving.

Phantom
08-05-2003, 12:18 PM
I like Montoya because he tells it like it is, doesn't pull any punches, and he isn't intimidated by ANYONE, not Michael, Ralf, nor the press.

If you know your F1 history you will remember how Ralf and the press prematurely bashed JPM even before he had returned to the team in 2000. JPM didn't get nearly the respect deserved of any "neutral" newcomer, much less one of his proven skill demonstrated as Williams test driver, CART Rookie of the Year, CART Rookie champion, and first attempt Indy 500 winner. My guess is some folks don't want a little Latin boy from Columbia showing up the established Formula 1 "gentry". And his self-assertiveness pisses some folks off even more.

The press conference questions always focus on the driver, and Montoya answers the questions as such. He doesn't spout off bland, boring, repetitive corporate speak. Yeah, many of his sentences start with "I" and end with "me", but if you listen closely that is the topic of the questions.

I'm glad he doesn't start off with "well, the team's BMW-powered Williams FW25 on Michelin tires let us down today with understeer as predicted by the computers provided by our HP Invent technology partner. However our Castrol-supplied fuel stops went well." WTF??

Reviewing the post-race interview again, it seems to me that DC talked as much about "himself" as Montoya. Nobody's complaining about that. Maybe because DC's 2nd place finish seems a charitable result for him given his luck this season, as opposed to Montoya going out and driving his ass off to dominate the German GP.

I see how some folks view Montoya as an upstart and cocky. I like him because I've been in his position many times in my own personal experience -- the unrespected underdog who viciously surprises all his doubters.

Feel free to playa hate. He's currently second in the driver's championship. Yeah, BMW-Williams should dump him.

Justin95GSR
08-05-2003, 06:16 PM
Well, as far as that one occasion where he cussed out the guy with the camera for bumping into him, that was stupid and he really loked like an asshole. But on the other hand, many of you are right, it's refreshing to see someone come in with some attitude, and some spunk. He's a great driver and consistently put's up good performances.
But, I know this will be tough for some of you to admit, being Williams fans... but you gotta give it to Raikkonen. He is THE BEST driver out there. He has had 3 DNF's this year and 2 were out of his control. Once, got hit, then had blown motor, and one was his fault. With 3 DNF's and still only 2 or 3 points behind Montoya, and only like 12 behind Shummi........ I know a few of the top points leaders have had a DNF but not 3 like Raikkonen. But I him and Montoya are the future of F1. And the battles between them 2 last year and this year are what is and will bring the excitement back to F1

B.Watts
08-05-2003, 07:16 PM
Originally posted by Justin95GSR
Well, as far as that one occasion where he cussed out the guy with the camera for bumping into him, that was stupid and he really loked like an asshole.

Oh, you mean the occasion where the camera guy was walking blindly through the paddock with a 25 pound camera and smacked JPM in the head? A couple inches and it could have easily been his eye and the end of his driving career. A camera guy should always have a spotter when walking through a public place.

I'm sure it hurt, and that would have been my first initial reaction as well to having my head smacked unexpectedly with a hard metal object.

But, I know this will be tough for some of you to admit, being Williams fans... but you gotta give it to Raikkonen. He is THE BEST driver out there.

According to what? He hasn't accomplised anything yet. MS is still the BEST driver out there, without a doubt.

Justin95GSR
08-05-2003, 10:13 PM
I meant the best out there... this year. Not the best ever... of course Shummi is the best ever. Raikkonen is the best this particular year.

stjobs
08-06-2003, 01:35 AM
"According to what? He hasn't accomplised anything yet"

He's done way better than most new drivers would... He's definitely a great driver.

Montoya is a great force in F1. His aggressive personality is the reason why he is known for having such great potential. Ralf is a decent driver, but he's too withdrawn and whiny. Montoya is the one who you can count on to try for the pass - more often than not, he makes it.

stjobs

ceegeezM3
08-06-2003, 11:22 AM
He's done way better than most new drivers would... He's definitely a great driver.

Kimi definitely has loads of talent. Anyone remember qualifying at Spa last year? Amazing speed and car control.

I think Frank Williams needs to dump Ralph and hire Kimi.... Now that would be a dream team.

fredo
08-06-2003, 11:29 AM
Originally posted by ceegeezM3
I think Frank Williams needs to dump Ralph and hire Kimi.... Now that would be a dream team.

let's just hope that ron dennis doesnt dump DC and hire jpm... although DC has commented that he will be driving for mclaren next year...

KU Ned
08-07-2003, 01:59 PM
I am worried that DC is going to be back at McClaren next year so they don't have to have an interim driver until JPM's contract expires at the end of next year.

I agree with those of you that like Kimi. He and Montoya are by far the two drivers that are the most fun to watch. If JPM goes to McClaren with Kimi I may have to change my alligence to the three pointed star.

stjobs
08-08-2003, 04:16 AM
Montoya + Raikkonen would kick ass. Again,with all these rumors swirling around about Montoya going to McLaren, who the hell would Williams get to replace him? There's no one suitable.

"of course Shummi is the best ever."

I don't necessarily agree. I'm sure some others feel the same as I do...

stjobs

Villanuevas_BMW
08-08-2003, 04:49 AM
Hey Guys! Brand new to these forums, I came from DTM Power. Hi to everyone. Just wanted a bit of say in this,

Does anybody remember Jean Alesi's last race when Kimi took him out? At least that is the was I remembered it. It was his last race and that is the last way he wanted, or anybody wanted to leave F1. When Alesi went to go shake Kimis hand, he totally blew him off. Just that action made me dislike Raikkonen. Fine he crashed, but to blow off Alesi like that? Come on, I think he should learn some manners. As for JPM, I like him and the way he treats MS :biglaughb

kaiservon
08-08-2003, 10:14 AM
welcome Villanuevas_BMW. Hope you enjoy your time here.

///MTV
08-08-2003, 11:10 AM
Montoya seems ok to me.

I think Jacques Villenueve is a total ass for his comments towards his teammater Button at the beginning of the season. That was a piss-poor bad attitude from a slumping ego"ed has been that knows the kitchen timer is almost up on a downwardly trending career.

Dark Helmet
08-08-2003, 12:05 PM
Ned... you start driving a benz and I'll personally drive down to KC and smack you for it!! :D:D


btw, is that a 330i PP in your sig???

I don't remember seeing you in the Great Plains forum... check us out... http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=161

I'll be in KC on the 22nd & 23rd... I'm trying to arrange a mini-meet.

stenney
08-08-2003, 09:16 PM
I don't think we are going to see Montoya and Raikkonen together on the same team in the near future. It just wouldn't make sense for either of them, particularly at this time in their carreers.

KU Ned
08-12-2003, 02:46 PM
Originally posted by dasMafia
Ned... you start driving a benz and I'll personally drive down to KC and smack you for it!! :D:D


btw, is that a 330i PP in your sig???

I don't remember seeing you in the Great Plains forum... check us out... http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=161

I'll be in KC on the 22nd & 23rd... I'm trying to arrange a mini-meet.

I am pretty new to this forum. I have driven my dad's C32 quite a bit and would not mind having one of my own.

Yes that is a 330 ZHP. I took delivery in May.

Dark Helmet
08-13-2003, 05:52 PM
cool, very nice car...

how many times has the C32 needed to be "fixed"... or is your day one of the lucky few??

Grd4Spd
10-03-2003, 07:29 PM
Originally posted by stenney
I don't think we are going to see Montoya and Raikkonen together on the same team in the near future. It just wouldn't make sense for either of them, particularly at this time in their carreers.


sorry mate....i JUST got word that JPM and Kimi are teamates at MB/Mclaren. :(


regards,
terry

Phantom
10-03-2003, 09:19 PM
Can you give a link or share the source of your info?

stenney
10-03-2003, 09:33 PM
Originally posted by Grd4Spd
sorry mate....i JUST got word that JPM and Kimi are teamates at MB/Mclaren. :(


regards,
terry

I wrote that back in August when it was a rumor....well it's still a rumor there's no confirmation of anything yet. The only thing for sure is the JPM has a contract with BMW.Williams in 2004. If you JUST got the word your source is just another rumor.

Phantom
10-03-2003, 09:36 PM
Can you give a link or share the source of your info? I read this in F1racing.net, but it seems like mere rumor.

From F1racing.net:

Juan Pablo Montoya is off to McLaren - the rumour moved into top-gear after the Colombian failed to win Williams' first world title since 1997.

German daily Bild reckons Woking-based chief Ron Dennis is ready to buy the 27-year-old out of his BMW-Williams contract for an immediate switch in 2004.

The compensation fee to Williams, reportedly agreed by both parties after Sunday's Indy race, has been quoted as anywhere between $10 and $25 million.

Bild says a 'gentlemen's agreement' between Dennis and Sir Frank was reached earlier this year where if Montoya didn't win the title, he'd be free to go.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug insisted there was 'nothing in' the renewed speculation. 'We aren't conducting any negotiations,' said the German, 'and I can assure you we wouldn't pay an indemnity for anyone.'

Clearly, Williams' spokesman - however - doesn't really know what's going to happen. 'I can only presume Juan's going to see out his contract,' he said.

JLee
10-04-2003, 08:35 AM
absolutly Kimi and JPM would be an awesome team...though typically there is a #1 and #2 designation within the team, and I can't imagine two #1 drivers...

but I personally think JPM is awesome, hes not afraid to push the limits and you can tell hes trying...sometimes you get the feeling that ralf is just driving and doesn't care where he is in the line up

JPM reminds me of John Macenroe, my all time tennis favorite.

jeff

Grd4Spd
10-04-2003, 10:22 AM
Originally posted by Phantom
Can you give a link or share the source of your info?

sorry mate its a close source inside F1....but you will see it on the web/papers before long....keep a eye open! its Silly Season!

regards,
terry

JV is taking the seat left by JPM, Canada is on and France is off (they owe Bernie money, so he said "sod em!")

stjobs
10-06-2003, 02:32 AM
"JV is taking the seat left by JPM"

Did you hear that Villeneuve was dumped by BAR? I'm sure Williams will be hot to get rid of Montoya, likely 2nd or 3rd in the World Championship, to gain Villeneuve, especially given his current 16th place standing :rolleyes:

Why do you think this is going to happen?

Grd4Spd
10-06-2003, 02:43 AM
"JV is taking the seat left by JPM"

Did you hear that Villeneuve was dumped by BAR?

yeah....."knight to bishop 2".......


Villeneuve dropped by BAR
4-10-2003


http://pitpass.com/admin/news2/images/villeneuve2003port280.jpg



According to reports coming out of Canada, 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has been told by BAR boss David Richards that his services will not be required in 2004.
TSN reports that Villeneuve's manger Craig Pollock has confirmed that the driver received a phone call from Richards earlier this week advising him that his contract would not be renewed after next week's Japanese GP.

Although BAR has yet to make any sort of official announcement, if it's true it brings months of speculation to an end.

It's widely known that there was little love lost between Richards and Villeneuve and that neither appreciated the others' way of working.

Whereas it looks certain that Honda will have its way and put Takuma Sato in the second BAR, Villeneuve's options seem almost non-existent. Virtually all the top drives have been taken and as pitpass recently revealed the Canadian's offer to drive for Jaguar on a pay for points basis was turned down.

The only other teams that currently have vacant seats are Jordan and Minardi, with the second seat at Sauber seemingly reserved in for Felipe Massa.

For some time there has been speculation that Sato might replace Villeneuve in the final round of this year's World Championship, the Japanese star taking an emotional fifth place in 2002, however neither BAR nor Honda has indicated that this will happen.


Why do you think this is going to happen?

because montoya wants more money than what ralphie is making (rightfully so) but frankie aint going for it and JV will drive for free (pay2play)........and a little bird told me. ;)


regards,
terry

OPTIMO
10-06-2003, 10:07 AM
Did you hear that Villeneuve was dumped by BAR? I'm sure Williams will be hot to get rid of Montoya, likely 2nd or 3rd in the World Championship, to gain Villeneuve, especially given his current 16th place standing Villenueve is a washed up crybaby.

AAM429
10-07-2003, 05:43 PM
I wouldn't consider Villeneuve to be washed up. He still has the skill and balls to take on guys like Schumacher, Raikkonen and Montoya. Just because he speaks his mind doesn't make him a cry baby. Drivers should not be automatons who do only as their sponsors and team owners say. That's why Frank Williams has an appreciation for bad asses like Alan Jones, Montoya and Villeneuve.

If he offends your delicate sensibilities, you'll love Takuma Sato :flipa:

wmarcel
10-07-2003, 05:58 PM
Villeneuve will definitely not drive for free for Ferrari next year as Bernie supposedly suggested, Grd4Spd! Schumi would never give up his number one status and sees Jacques still as a threat. The guy is enormously talented and definitely not washed up. As AAM429 said: "He still has the skill and balls to take on guys like Schumacher, Raikkonen and Montoya." He just needs a team that motivates him!Alcoholica - Tequil'em ALL!:buttrock

OPTIMO
10-08-2003, 09:38 AM
He just needs a team that motivates him!Maybe that's what it is. I'm not denying the fact that he is extremely talented. It just seems like the last couple of years have been spent crying about this or bitching about that. Granted, it can't be a field day considering he's worked with Frank and now is working (excuse me, was working) with BAR. I just don't see an opening in any of the major players right now. Renault, Williams, Mclaren, and Ferrari. Granted BAR, Sauber and Toyota might have a surprise handful of points every couple of GPs, they definitely aren't considered contenders. I can't wait to see what Renault has in store for next year. As long as it's not better than the Williams' offerring.

AAM429
10-08-2003, 10:39 AM
Renault could be very dangerous next year. They're going back to the standard v-angle V10 which they perfected in the 90's and Mike Gascoyne will undoubtedly crank out a superb chassis.

I always worry about Williams in the offseason, so I hope they can keep this year's momentum going. It's a shame that they will lose Montoya for the 2005 season, but they just can't (or won't) compete with what McLaren will be able to pay him.

I just want someone -- ANYONE!!! -- to win the title other than Schumi. It's getting boring already.

qwickm3
10-10-2003, 09:10 PM
I read in F1 magazine that Montoya's deal with McClaren is a done deal. He has signed for 2005.

stjobs
10-10-2003, 09:48 PM
It's pretty much accepted that Montoya will be moving to McLaren in 2005. It sucks for BMW.Williams and for fans..

stenney
10-10-2003, 09:59 PM
Originally posted by stjobs
It's pretty much accepted that Montoya will be moving to McLaren in 2005. It sucks for BMW.Williams and for fans..

I think we'll begin to find out more about this once the season is over. There's been a lot of talk and there's nothing wrong with JPM working all of the angles. He's worth a lot. There are rumors now about Alonso going to Ferrari and not finishing his contract, but he would drive for Renault in 04. Rumors are just that.

Right now Juan's going pretty well in practice at Suzuka in 2nd behind Ralf.

pikachu
10-10-2003, 11:44 PM
i'm glad montoya's own dirty driving style, for which made he infamous, was the very thing that caused his penalty and consequently, his loss of contention for the world championship.

he puts himself into a bad situation that when passing, forces either the other driver to completely yield, or an accident will happen. why would he shove the nose of his car underneath reubens and risk the entire world championship??? that's not smart. despite juan having more points than ralf this year, it is not surprising that williams prefers ralf, for ralf is the more intelligent driver.

Grd4Spd
10-11-2003, 10:52 AM
Originally posted by pikachu
why would he shove the nose of his car underneath reubens and risk the entire world championship???

nonsense, man, nonsense.

its racing man, its racing. the guy was racing. hes trying to get by someone who had NO chance at the title. that said, why did rubens (who had no hope for the title, btw) pinch him off? well, because rubens works for M$ and Ferrari. rubens wants to drive for ferrari next year and like a good boy/donkey he does what M$ and Ross tell him to do.

regards,
terry

JLee
10-11-2003, 11:03 AM
i agree...

you knew rubens was told to block, i think montoya did the right thing, especially since he was in the running and rubens wasn't

jeff


Originally posted by Grd4Spd
nonsense, man, nonsense.

its racing man, its racing. the guy was racing. hes trying to get by someone who had NO chance at the title. that said, why did rubens (who had no hope for the title, btw) pinch him off? well, because rubens works for M$ and Ferrari. rubens wants to drive for ferrari next year and like a good boy/donkey he does what M$ and Ross tell him to do.

regards,
terry

Grd4Spd
10-11-2003, 11:07 AM
I read in F1 magazine that Montoya's deal with McClaren is a done deal. He has signed for 2005.

you read it here first mate! :buttrock


regards,
terry

stenney
10-11-2003, 11:28 AM
I think the more accurate articles are saying that Montoya has signed an option with McLaren for 2005. That means he will allow them to make him an offer when the time comes. He would be a fool to have negotiated for 2005 when these rumors started. If he had won the WDC he would have been worth a lot more. McLaren has a history of paying more for their drivers, but right now the BMW.Williams is the stronger car.

Having said all that, I think Williams should renegotiate his contract. He deserves to make more.

Has he signed with McLaren? You've got a 50 percent chance of being right.

pikachu
10-11-2003, 05:33 PM
Originally posted by Grd4Spd
nonsense, man, nonsense.

its racing man, its racing. the guy was racing. hes trying to get by someone who had NO chance at the title. that said, why did rubens (who had no hope for the title, btw) pinch him off? well, because rubens works for M$ and Ferrari. rubens wants to drive for ferrari next year and like a good boy/donkey he does what M$ and Ross tell him to do.

regards,
terry

why did reubens pinch him off? as you said, that's racing. reubens had the corner, he was in front; that's the rule to who owns the corner. that's why the stewards gave the columbia monkey a penalty, cuz he forced the accident. you can't make stupid moves like that and expect to win a world championship, let alone keep a top drive.

saying that reubens did it only to help ferrari is pure speculation.

Grd4Spd
10-11-2003, 06:31 PM
Originally posted by pikachu
why did reubens pinch him off? as you said, that's racing. reubens had the corner, he was in front;


SNIP!

well i can tell where this is going.... :evil2

anyway, enjoy the race this eve and GO KIMI!!

regards,
terry

stenney
10-11-2003, 08:46 PM
Originally posted by pikachu
why did reubens pinch him off? as you said, that's racing. reubens had the corner, he was in front; that's the rule to who owns the corner. that's why the stewards gave the columbia monkey a penalty, cuz he forced the accident. you can't make stupid moves like that and expect to win a world championship, let alone keep a top drive.

saying that reubens did it only to help ferrari is pure speculation.

Suggest you go back and look again. Juan was well up beside Rubens and giving room. Nobody owns the corner. Suggest you refer to Juan Pablo Montoya in a more appropriate manner.

pikachu
10-11-2003, 09:13 PM
at least in f1, the corner belongs to whichever driver is in front. being in front doesn't mean being an entire car length in front, as long as any part of the car is in front. the driver attempting to pass must present his car fully alongside the car being overtaken.

check out any f1 source of information such as magazines or websites, or even the fia website for official rules. they will all state this. unfortunately for montoya, he was not completely alongside. montoya knew it, his team knew it, and hence no protest to the penalty.

ceegeezM3
10-11-2003, 09:24 PM
Maybe if everyone used their turn signals then there wouldn't be any accidents...
No wait! They should just ban passing all together (I just love a parade!) then there wouldn't be any useless penalties assessed that decided the outcome of the race according to whomever the most popular driver was that particular season.

stenney
10-11-2003, 09:33 PM
Originally posted by pikachu
at least in f1, the corner belongs to whichever driver is in front. being in front doesn't mean being an entire car length in front, as long as any part of the car is in front. the driver attempting to pass must present his car fully alongside the car being overtaken.

check out any f1 source of information such as magazines or websites, or even the fia website for official rules. they will all state this. unfortunately for montoya, he was not completely alongside. montoya knew it, his team knew it, and hence no protest to the penalty.

If you are right no one would pass anyone. Any passing attempt involves a risk.

The team knew about the review and have stated that they didn't like the penalty but they don't have any recourse. They can't protest a penalty like that during a race. They've got three laps to comply and that's it. Patrick Head has said he felt it was not comparable with other penalties applied this year.

Grd4Spd
11-20-2003, 11:11 PM
10-03-2003, i wrote of "speculation"....

Originally posted by Grd4Spd
...JPM has moved to Mclaren. :(

doubters say...

Originally posted by fredo
those are some bold statements.... have some links to back them up? :confused:

Originally posted by Grd4Spd
"i have some VERY close F1 insider sources, so i cant back it up offically other than to say its happening"

Originally posted by stjobs
You actually think we will believe this coming from a guy with 23 posts?

Originally posted by Geo31
Unless your "inside sources" are Jean Todt, Ron Dennis, Frank Williams, and their lawyers, your sources don't mean squat.....That stuff you posted was pure speculation. It was posted on Autosport.com but it was pretty clear it was just speculation that was going around the paddock.


ahhh....doubters no longer doubt, speculate no mas....my dear BMW fans...


Monday, 17 November, 2003, 11:09 GMT

McLaren grab Montoya


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39578000/jpg/_39578349_jpm203.jpg


Juan Pablo Montoya will switch to the McLaren team from Williams for the 2005 Formula One season.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "The opportunity to sign a talent like Juan Pablo was too good to miss."

The move is likely to spell the end of David Coulthard's McLaren career - Montoya is expected to partner Finn Kimi Raikkonen.

Dennis added: "There is already a considerable amount of anticipation within our team about 2005."

A statement from McLaren said the team would announce its full 2005 line-up at a later date, although Raikkonen is considered all but certain to stay on.

Coulthard's manager Martin Brundle told this website the Scot was simply concentrating on next season.

"It's not great news for David, but 2005 is a long way off and many things can happen in that time," said Brundle.

CAREER DETAILS - MONTOYA
1998: Formula 3000 champion
1999: Cart champion
2000: Indianapolis 500 winner
2001: Moves to F1, takes first win in Italy
2002: Third in championship, seven pole positions
2003: Third overall, two wins


"We have a contractual position moving forward with McLaren and David is just focusing on 2004."

A partnership of Raikkonen and Montoya would give McLaren arguably the most exciting driver line-up in F1 as they attempt to end Ferrari's domination of the sport.

McLaren's attempt to sign Montoya was revealed by the BBC Sport website in July.

The team initially wanted to take him for 2004, for which he was already contracted to Williams, but had to give up that idea when Williams insisted he stay on.

Montoya, who finished third in the world championship behind Michael Schumacher and Raikkonen this year, said: "This is a great opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to the first time I will be able to drive one of McLaren's cars.

"To join them is an amazing challenge and experience which I plan to fully enjoy.

"However, my short-term aim is to concentrate 100% on winning the 2004 world championship."

Montoya will attempt to do that at BMW Williams, in what could be a difficult year for the team.

His departure to McLaren puts Williams and their engine partner BMW in a difficult position.

That is because Montoya will be able to tell his new employer, whose engine partner is BMW's bitter rival Mercedes-Benz, many of Williams' latest secrets.


keep tuned to your favorite F1 site for more silly season antics!

regards,
terry

B.Watts
11-20-2003, 11:45 PM
Wow...you repeated the rumors that have been running around the internet all season...