Montoya warns of Sato winning before Jenson

By pitpass.com (11/06/2004)
June 11 2004

Juan Pablo Montoya has warned of a scenario that much of the British media hopes is impossible, that Takuma Sato could beat Jenson Button to score Lucky Strike BAR Honda's maiden win.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian GP, Montoya revealed that he is impressed with the Japanese driver's attitude and performance.

"Jenson is doing a very good job but Takuma has been really impressive in the last few races," said the Colombian. "It wouldn't surprise me if Takuma would win a race before Jenson."

A superb performance in Germany, which saw the former F3 champion start from second on the grid, finally ended in tears when the youngster made a move on Rubens Barrichello's second-placed Ferrari. The Brazilian described the move as 'amateur', while others described it as 'rash' and typical of the Japanese driver's seemingly 'banzai' attitude. Others however, including team boss David Richards, were simply delighted to see Takuma have a go.

"I think he is a guy that tries really hard all the time," said Montoya, "and I think he's starting to find his limits."

With a new, more powerful engine available this weekend, some are predicting that the Brackley outfit is capable of pulling off a surprise win and halting the Schumacher/Ferrari steamroller.

If it were to be Sato that climbs to the top of the podium on Sunday, it would be a little ironic for the circuit is named in honour of F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve, father of the driver the Japanese driver replaced at BAR, Jacques.

Asked if he felt any special pressure at the circuit, or indeed Canada, Sato replied: "No, this is the Gilles Villeneuve circuit and I know it but it is nothing to do with me, to be honest. The team is looking really exciting every single race and I am getting more comfortable and more confident with the speed and the team and the work that is done, just gradually, step by step, and every single race I am looking forward to.

"This is just one other race. It is the same with Suzuka, it is not a big difference, I just want to have a good strong race this weekend."

This article was produced by pitpass.com and is used with permission.