Montoya posts fastest time in practice

Juan Pablo Montoya prepared to take the fight to Ferrari in final qualifying for the British Grand Prix with the fastest lap …

Juan Pablo Montoya prepared to take the fight to Ferrari in final qualifying for the British Grand Prix with the fastest lap for Williams in this morning's free practice.

The Colombian, on pole at Silverstone last year but yet to secure the top starting slot this season, lapped the fast circuit in one minute 21.415 seconds in the second of two sessions.

The Ferraris of Brazilian Rubens Barrichello and championship leader Michael Schumacher, who was quickest in yesterday's first qualifying, followed with Montoya's team mate Ralf Schumacher fourth.

Ralf has won the last two races for Williams and taken pole at three of the last four.

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The battle for the top slot could well be between Ferrari and Williams, separated by just three points in the constructors' standings, but McLaren, Renault and Toyota also looked competitive.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, second in the standings eight points behind Schumacher, lapped fastest in the first session while British team mate David Coulthard - twice a winner of his home race - was sixth in the second.

France's Olivier Panis, strong in Friday qualifying, was fifth fastest for Toyota.

Schumacher, who led a Ferrari one-two last year, remains the pole favourite ahead of a race that could bring him his 50th win for Ferrari and fifth of the season.

Final qualifying starts at 1pm.