[Nick Koan]

Warning shots fired.

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=127079

NASCAR drivers fire warning shot at Villeneuve and Montoya
09 August 2006

NASCAR drivers Greg Biffle and Adrian Fernandez warned NASCAR hopefuls Villeneuve and Montoya not to expect instant success in the Busch Series.

At a conference call on Tuesday, Adrian Fernandez, a good friend of Montoya and someone who also made the move from single seaters to stock cars this year explained that NASCAR is tougher than it looks.

"The appearance is deceiving for open wheel drivers," Fernandez said. "I think Juan Pablo will be surprised at how competitive it is and how hard it is to get used to these cars. The same goes for Villeneuve if he gets it. It's been a problem in the past for open wheel drivers to get used to it. It's quicker than you think. Look at Paul Tracy when he tried it, or Scott Pruett, or myself."

Greg Biffle highlighted how NASCAR demands a different driving style and approach, implying that Montoya and Villeneuve will have to be willing to make big adjustments to suit the heavier machines. According to the NASCAR pro, the F1-converts will be surprised "how unresponsive they'd be compared to a Formula One car."

Villeneuve, who struggled even when he returned to F1 after a season out last year, won the prestigious Indy 500 in 1995 but is yet to sign a NASCAR contract despite much speculation. Montoya, on the other hand, has signed for Chip Ganassi's NASCAR outfit and has left McLaren already this season to start focusing on his switch to NASCAR.