News 06 October 2004 Montoya was 'attractive' to Ferrari McLaren signed a contract with Juan Pablo Montoya so early because traditional rival Ferrari might have snapped him up. Woking's CEO and team principal Ron Dennis put pen to paper with Williams' out-of-contract Colombian even though no vacancy existed for the 2004 season. But the silver chief didn't want Maranello to eye Montoya as a possible successor for Michael Schumacher, who - despite a longer contract - may retire as early as the end of 2005. "Juan Pablo would have been attractive to Ferrari," said Ron Dennis, "and for that reason - as well as for his ability - he was too good an opportunity to miss." Montoya, 29, and Finnish incumbent Kimi Raikkonen, will be team-mates next season, as nine-year McLaren veteran David Coulthard is either shown the door or relocated to a third Mercedes-powered car. Source: f1racing.net I always knew Dennis was doing some serious chemicals. Now I'm sure I want whatever he is taking. Everyone at Ferrari from Monti, Todt, and Brawn have basically called the guy a bozo and would not touch him with a ten foot pole. I guess old Ronnie is already doing some preseason CYA touting how good a deal it was to get Whiiney P.. That way when it turns into a disaster he can always say, "but, but, Ferrari wanted him! I remember hearing that sometime last year..." Jim
i JUST HATE MONTOYA, so I'm pleased that he will not drive for Ferrari !! Even Schumacher dislike him !!
I used to like JPM, but he hasnt matured in F1. He still drives with a rookie mentality. Now I just think he belongs in a Minardi.
Montoya will never drive for Scuderia Ferrari. In fact Montoya will never win a champioship and will be the reason for a majority of the problems in McLaren next year.
His Mentality in general is at Rookie level, with no sign of it going up. Even his Wife has lost her "sexiness"....
Montoya totally sucks, everybody thinks that he so good but honestly he still has to proof himself. I just cannot stand the man. Honestly. He is a whiny driver that nothing is good for him and in that case he got matched up with a whiny director as Ron Dennis. F1 without JPM will be so much better
I can't help but think that JPM will drop Mclarens competitiveness a notch or two next year (to the benifit of the other teams) he is quick but has the recklessness and immaturity of a rookie. After Ralf was out of action at Williams, I didn't see JPM step up to the plate and lead the team. All Frank Williams could say was that they missed Ralpf because he was the only driver thay had that could give good imputs for car set-ups. I don't see Juan changing his ways just because he is with another team, as a result the new team will feel his negitive effects.
How many of you guys have even come close to driving an F1 car? Easy to say JPM sucks but the bottom line is you couldn't do any better and he happens to be one of the best out there these days. His racecraft and attitude may be quite lacking but his speed is undeniable. For all the crap Todt, Brawn and everyone else at Maranello talks if Schu were to walk tomorrow and JPM were available they'd not hesitate one second in signing him.
I've always been a fan of Montoya, but I'll be the first to admit that he has some growing up to do. And I don't think being partnered with a Kimi Raikkonen will be the answer, especially after his time along side F1's resident man-child Ralfie. I was very surprised when I read comments from Kimi's wife and confidantes about how classily he handles failure as well as success. Um, yeah. Except for those half-dozen track-side tantrums and marshall shovings. What would have been ideal is to see Montoya matched up with Webber, who I think has one of the best brains in racing.
