Montoya means business, makes Schumi see red

Montoya lapped Formula One’s fastest circuit in one minute 20.656 seconds, 0.612 quicker than Schumacher. The German finished third, doing little to ease the anxiety of his fans.

Schumacher’s quest for a record sixth title is in danger of stalling at Ferrari’s home circuit and he has not led a Grand Prix since June, a five-race losing streak.

Montoya is, meanwhile, going from strength to strength.

“I wasn’t very comfortable with the balance of my car this morning but we made some changes which put it back on the right track and I think we should be pretty competitive now,” said the Colombian.

Schumacher’s Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello, winner last year in a Ferrari one-two that sent the red Army of tifosi spilling on to the track in celebration, was 0.128 slower than Montoya with the second best time.

McLaren’s Finn Kimi Raikkonen, two points behind Schumacher in the closest and most enthralling title battle in years, was fifth fastest in 1:21.966. His time was matched exactly by Australian Mark Webber in a Jaguar.

“We were quite quick in last week’s test here which makes us confident for the rest of the weekend,” said Montoya, who has started the last two Italian Grands Prix from pole position and won in 2001.

The Colombian also set the fastest qualifying lap in Formula One history last year at Monza with a time of one minute 20.264 seconds, an average speed of 259.8 kph. (Reuters)