Montoya gears up for US clash
The Colombian won the legendary Indianapolis 500 with unusual ease three years ago during his Champ Car days, which earned him a large following in the US.
Montoya is just three points adrift of Schumacher in the title race and with just two grands prix remaining, a record sixth drivers’ crown could conceivably be secured at Indianapolis by the Ferrari star.
However, Montoya believes his Williams-BMW is good enough to keep him in the title race at an event he considers to be his home grand prix. The former CART champion said: “I have some great memories from the Brickyard.
“First and foremost, my Indy 500 victory back in 2000 was very important to my career, and then of course my years in the CART series thereafter, particularly as my team at the time was based at Indianapolis.
“The atmosphere is simply fantastic, especially in the grandstands around the oval section, which are usually packed with people waving flags and playing music.
"I consider Indy to be a home race for me so I feel I must give my supporters a good race and hopefully there will be many Colombians in the stands giving me support.
“Our car can definitely do well at the Speedway as the power of the BMW engine suits the long straight, so I am anticipating a close fight with our immediate rivals.”
But Montoya’s focus is not solely on the drivers’ championship, with Williams four points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ standings in a title race which could also be decided at Indianapolis.
He added: “We have two main targets to focus on now. The team needs to secure the constructors’ championship and I have to close the gap to Michael in the drivers’ standings and, if possible, get ahead of him.
“We need to keep the ball rolling and make the most out of this race because Suzuka is a circuit that really suits Michael’s driving style.”
Ralf Schumacher’s drivers’ title ambitions were ended when he sat out the Italian Grand Prix due to injury, but the German expects to be back at full throttle to help Williams’ constructors’ battle.
He said: “After missing the last race at Monza due to the accident I had at the test, I am sure that I will be 100% fit for the US Grand Prix.”
