JUNE 13, 2002

Williams has not picked up Montoya's option

DESPITE all the stories being published on the Internet, the Williams team has not taken up its option with Juan Pablo Montoya. As usual, the F1 websites have not bothered to check the story.

"It is quite untrue," said an insider at Williams. "We have not picked up the option - yet!"

There is little doubt that Montoya will be retained in 2003 by the team but there is currently no rush to do anything as the option is in Williams's favor and Montoya can do nothing until the team has made its decision official.

Once the option is taken up there will be no room at Williams for Jenson Button, although the Englishman is also under a Williams option. In all probability he will now stay with Renault for another year, perhaps two.