OCTOBER 29, 2000

Montoya unfazed by team-mate Schumacher's comments

NEW BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya has said that he is unfazed by the comments of his new team-mate Ralf Schumacher, who has admitted that he would have preferred Jenson Button to stay at the team.

Reigning Champ Car champion Montoya will start testing with BMW-Williams in December after replacing Button, who will join Benetton for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

But the relationship between Montoya and his new team-mate Schumacher is already frosty. Schumacher has criticized Montoya for what he believes is an over-confident and cocky attitude displayed by the Colombian.

But Montoya insisted he will not be affected by the off-track relationship with his team-mate.

"I don't know Ralf, so I don't have a problem with it," said Montoya. "I don't think I'm going to Williams to have a great relationship.

"It would be nice because it's going to be much better off for the team. But Frank Williams decided I was to drive the car, it's not his (Schumacher's) decision. It's not his team."