UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Prac 2.1: Montoya hat-trick

Colombian quickest again

Juan Pablo Montoya completed an Indianapolis hat-trick on Saturday morning when he recorded the fastest time in the third session of practice for the United States Grand Prix.

However, the Colombian’s result was far from disputed with the unusual situation of only eight drivers recording a time.

The lack of results wasn’t due to a lack of action on track, 18 of the 20 drivers completed over four laps.

The lack of competition was due to major concerns over the safety of the Michelin tyres after two tyre failures during yesterday’s action.

The teams using the French rubber were instructed to give the banked turn 13 a miss – that is the point where the tyres have the highest loading – so drivers were heading through the pit lane instead.

It was a bizarre situation to watch with 14 cars parading in and out of the pit lane.

Michelin did find a solution to the issue that caused yesterday's failures however the teams couldn't implement the setup changes in time.

The team's participation in the remainder of the weekend is secure, but their preparations have certainly been hampered.

Montoya, along with Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard, was the only Michelin men to set a time.

The two Bridgestone shod Ferraris, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, finished second and third fastest respectively.

However their pace, one second slower that that of Montoya’s McLaren, still left much to be desired and it was clear the Scuderia still had plenty of work to do.

Written: Sat, 18 Jun 2005 14:55:54