rpm.espn.com: Juan Montoya

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Wednesday, January 9

Juan Montoya
ESPN.com

Team: Williams-BMW
Nationality: Colombia

Juan Montoya
Montoya

STATS

Year
Rank
Wins
Poles
Podium
Best finish

2001 6 1 3 4 1st, Monza

Career 1 3 4 1st, Monza

2001 Recap
The Good: As many predicted, Montoya made quite a splash in his rookie season. The fiery Colombian refused to be overwhelmed and claimed one victory, won three poles and led several races in his first year in Formula One.

Season Highlight: In just his third F1 race, Montoya made a daring pass of champion Michael Schumacher on the first turn of the third lap. Montoya's chances at victory were dashed when he got popped from behind by Jos Verstappen, but the pass was all anyone talked about after the race.

Another highlight, of course, came at Monza, Italy, where Montoya earned his first career F1 victory. The win was an emotional one, as it was the series' first event after the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept. 11

The Bad: Montoya's season was split into two halves. While exciting, the first half of the year was full of mistakes and missed opportunities. He did, however, manage to turn things around and produce consistent point-scoring finishes in the season's second stanza.

Season Lowlight: Montoya made a rookie mistake at Montreal. As he was trying to hold off the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello, Montoya hit the curb and crashed into the barriers, ending his afternoon on lap 20 and leaving him in 16th.

Juan Montoya
Moves like this -- Juan Montoya's pass of Michael Schumacher, left -- impressed many F1 observers in 2001.

Key Stat: Montoya's first victory -- which came on Sept. 16, his father's birthday -- made him Colombia's first grand prix winner.

2002 Outlook
What needs to be done: If Montoya can harness his aggressiveness and limit his mistakes, he should contend for many more wins in 2002 and beyond. Also, he must deal with the fact Williams has two "No. 1" drivers in he and Ralf Schumacher. The dynamic duo don't have to be buddies, but they certainly can't work against one another either.

Prediction: It will be a wild season at Williams. Montoya will win races and poles in 2002, as will his teammate. And, with both drivers signed to long-term deals, they had better learn to work together.

A serious challenge for the world championship, however, may be a year away. It will be tough for Montoya, in his second season, to out-run the experienced title contenders like Ferrari's Michael Schumacher or McLaren's David Coulthard. Montoya has a crown or two in his future, but not in 2002.

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