Montoya gains the edge in final practice

Title challenger Juan Pablo Montoya overcame rival Michael Schumacher in the battle for supremacy in final practice for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza today.

Schumacher set the pace in the penultimate session. But Montoya, who was quickest in first qualifying yesterday, regained top spot in the last session before the grid positions are decided later today.

Williams-BMW driver Montoya, who is one point behind his Ferrari foe with three races left, was just over 0.1 seconds quicker in a session which was halted after a blown engine in Olivier Panis’ Toyota deposited oil on the track.

Spain’s Marc Gene took third spot for Williams-BMW after the break, having been called up for his first race in three seasons this morning following Ralf Schumacher’s withdrawal.

The younger Schumacher pulled out after complaining of headaches following first qualifying yesterday and is obviously still feeling the effects of his massive shunt in testing at Monza last week.

The 29-year-old Gene, who has racked up thousands of miles in testing for Williams, was around 0.5secs down on his team-mate but will face a struggle in this afternoon’s single-lap qualifying format.

Williams are hoping he can pick up some points as they defend an eight-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.