OCTOBER 31, 2000

Montoya ends Champ Car career as he heads for F1 and BMW-Williams

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA has competed in his last Champ Car race and is now turning his attention to taking BMW-Williams into a new era in Formula One.

The 1999 Champ Car champion was classified 10th in the final race of the 2000 season at the California Speedway, despite breaking down 31 laps from the finish of the 250-lap race.

Montoya is now under pressure to fulfil his promise at BMW-Williams as he replaces Jenson Button for the 2001 season, and his sights are set firmly on his first test with the team in December.

"I can't wait to get in the car and start testing myself," said the Colombian. "I feel bad that I couldn't give the Ganassi Racing team one more championship, but I'm focused on my new job already."

Montoya, who won this year's Indianapolis 500 race, will join up with BMW-Williams at the Jerez circuit in Spain in December for testing.

He added: "The cars are obviously different, but I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. The pressure is on, but I thrive on that and I'm sure there are exciting times ahead."