Montoya will fight for championship

Despite the fact that Juan Pablo Montoya will leave the BMW WilliamsF1 team at the end of the 2004 Formula One season he has made it clear that he will continue to challenge for the World Championship titles together with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team.

After weeks of speculation concerning his future employment Juan Pablo he has announced that he will be joining McLaren in 2005. In 2004 he will complete his contract with the WilliamsF1 team and in that year his focus will be on winning the drivers and constructors championships.

In comments made by him he has made it clear that his focus is on winning these titles. Juan Pablo said: "I'll focus on winning the World Championship."

For BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen he can appreciate Juan Pablo's decision. On the BMW Motorsport web site Theissen said: "At the end of 2004, Juan will have been driving for our team for four years. It's quite normal to think about switching teams after that period of time."

In respect of Juan Pablo's challenge for the championship in 2004 Theissen knows all too well that drivers at this level will take any opportunity to win. Based on this Theissen does not feel that Juan Pablo will be any less motivated in 2004.

Dr Theissen added: "You doesn't get the chance to win a World Championship title all day. If the chance is there, you must take it. Juan knows that too. I'm convinced that he will be just as motivated in 2004 as he's been up to now."

As for the reaction from the WilliamsF1 team their reaction has been one as expressed by Technical Director Patrick Head who said to the Guardian newspaper: "It will certainly be a bit odd going into next year knowing that one of your drivers has already signed for another team."

The other is one of very much unfinished business for both the WilliamsF1 team and Juan Pablo.

WilliamsF1's Media Manager Liam Clogger said to the AtlasF1 site: "Apart from anything else, Juan Pablo Montoya presents us with the best opportunity for winning the World Championship, and that's why we hired him in the first place. For both parties - the team and Montoya, there is an obvious mutual interest that we work together to achieve common goals next year."

Liam responded to questions from this site publisher, in respect of Juan Pablo's move, by saying: "Juan Pablo, yes a loss no doubt. However, we are not ready to commiserate yet as we have a full season ahead and I think there is a mutual expectation of unfinished business, so you may see a BMW powered, blue & white Montoya world championship yet!"

The WilliamsF1 have also reacted to speculation that Juan Pablo would leave the team prior to the start of the 2004 season. As for Patrick Heads comments "We're obviously having discussions with other people, so we shall see what develops." they were in respect of the 2005 season.

As for Ralf Schumacher's reaction he indicated his disappointment with the news that Juan Pablo is moving to McLaren in 2005. Despite the announcement Ralf said the move "won't really change anything' next season."

Ralf said: "Naturally, it's disappointing for Williams. But we'll do our best and the fastest between us next year will fight for the title."