Montoya's reason to leave Williams...

[Speed]

"McLaren me hizo una oferta, hablé con Ron Dennis y los directores de Mercedes, que me conocían bien desde que manejé el auto DTM en 1996", explicó el colombiano. "Decidí aceptarla porque creo que el equipo me ofrece las mejores garantías técnicas para el futuro", añadió.

"McLaren made me an offer, I talked to Ron Dennis and Mercedes' directors, who know me well since 1996 when driving DTM", colombian explained. "I accepted because team [McLaren] offers me the best technical package for the future", added.

Full story: http://eltiempo.terra.com.co/deporte...1-1330041.html

PS: Sorry about translation...

[Red]

Hmm, I wonder what would happen if Renault or Toyota will have a "better technical package" for the future..

[climb]

Obviously, the basic reason was his intention to change, after 4 years at Williams.
there is no proof that Macs package is better than FW's, but as Mario Theissen pointed out, it's normal that after such a long period a driver may want to change, particularly (I add) if the atmosphere in the team is not that enjoyable (problems with Ralf).

[BootsOntheSide]

Ralf beign BMW's man, and that his happiness was essential to BMW's continued support, has meant that Frank and Patrick haven't supported Montoya enough, considering that his performance has been (at worst) equal to Ralf's and his personality and driving styl eis closer to the traditional Williams ethic.

As well as that, 2005 could be the ideal time to join McLaren. If the MP4-19 is as technically advanced as they expect, reliability may be an issue, as with cars like the 1991 Williams and 1997 McLaren - of course they had less problems the year after. and [performed well enough to take the title

[Gt_R]

Funny thing that he said about "best technical package". Although the Mclaren Technology Centre does look impressive, there's a strong team in it, and the new car does look innovative and fast... Williams does have the advantage of a very strong engine, and that this year showed that Williams is capable of constantly upgrading the car throughout a season relentlessly.

I'd put down the main reasons for move as (1)unhappy working environment (2)higher salary , ahead of (3)technical package.

To suggest that Frank/Head not supporting Montoya enough is demanding too much. Williams had even went to the extent of pulling in a former respected engineer back just to assist JPM and curb his "suspicions" on his own team, and that Head and Frank had been relatively patient with his hot/cold attitude.

[Tony F.P.]

Montoya is Leaving Williams befor He gets the boot.

Skipper Frank told Montoya His Contract would not be renewed in 2005, So He did the right proper thing by signing with McLaren

[ElScOrChO]

Originally posted by Tony F.P.
Montoya is Leaving Williams befor He gets the boot.

Skipper Frank told Montoya His Contract would not be renewed in 2005, So He did the right proper thing by signing with McLaren

Where you heard that?
URL?

[Fogelhund]

Originally posted by ElScOrChO
Where you heard that?
URL?

Why let facts get in the way of controversy?

[Adam43]

Originally posted by Tony F.P.
Skipper Frank told Montoya His Contract would not be renewed in 2005, So He did the right proper thing by signing with McLaren

This is a simply not true. Why bother?

Anyway, a chance to discuss...

I think it is well documented why Montoya is leaving Williams. There is no problem with Williams, he thinks that McLaren offer a better opportunity from '05 onwards. Not stupid really is it?

Additionally I think cash played a part too (McLaren traditionally pay more than Williams), but it isn't like he is sacrificing any real chances for it.

And, red, in a few years Toyota or whoever offer a decent chance and they want him then why not?

I can't see anything wrong here. Montoya is moving because of too reasons, performance and money. Strikes me that this applies to any F1 driver, or at least, the ones that have a choice.

Actually that is a point there are few (maybe five or six tops???) who actualy do have a chance to chose where they go, the others just stay with long contracts or aren't wanted elsewhere.

[garcon]

Montoya got a good offer. From a top three team. First of all his consideration will be "will they help me win WDC(s)", second may be the finance package offered.

And yes, there doesn't have to be a reason for moving! Drivers do that. So do footballers. So do we!

[gttouring]

i wonder why ralf has never been offered a mercedes seat.

Montoya is going where there will be a good even spread- A williams, no matter what they say Ralf got better goods and treatment, JPM simply dorve his heart out and to very good results, At worst he was equal to ralf, why has ralf never been let go?
At mercedes, with young Kimi the team will have had good experience with the fast finn, and with the new driver who is a fireball in the cockpit, they can focus much more to develop JPM's ride and place in the team as Kimi would be very solid by then (in the team) so it will be a win win situation for the team, and montoya gets easily the team who has been locking horns with ferarri the most, and has unseated the red blur the most- williams having a looser relaionship with BMW than Merc-Mac will show less and less strength as more Mercedes money get put into Maclaren- JPM must see this as well

[ralf fan]

id say the reason for him leaving is that he gets in a top3 team with a better pay packet and a good chance of being WDC!

[Adam43]

some people have odd priorities don't they

[ralf fan]

seriously that JPM surprises me !!!

[Mr V]

Originally posted by Tony F.P.
Montoya is Leaving Williams befor He gets the boot.

Skipper Frank told Montoya His Contract would not be renewed in 2005, So He did the right proper thing by signing with McLaren

Any proof of this fella? What does F.P stand for anyway? Nevermind, i'll work it out for myself

As for your theory, it doesn't make sense, JPM wants to go to Mac in 2004 if possible, Ron would welcome him with open arms, Frank has Gene waiting in the wings as a years stop gap driver, so whats stopping Frank getting rid of JPM now?