Tuesday January 15th, 2002

Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt has denied the World Champions are interested in hiring Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

According to a report published by BBC this week, the Italian squad had launched a bid to hire the Williams driver to partner World Champion Michael Schumacher in 2003. But after Montoya's manager Julian Jakobi denied the rumour on Monday, Todt has also refuted the report.

"We think Montoya is a good driver," said Todt. "His first year in Formula One, at the wheel of a competitive Williams car, was a positive one. However, Ferrari has never had any contact with him, either directly or indirectly.

"We do not wish to give any credence to those who might have an interest in promoting these rumours."

Montoya, who in his rookie season last year won the Italian Grand Prix and scored three pole positions, is tipped to be one of the favourites to challenge Schumacher for the title this season.

Published at 12:41:06 GMT

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