Ahead of his first season with McLaren, where he will line up alongside 2003 world championship runner-up Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya is understood to be embarking on a serious fitness regime in an attempt to lose weight.

The Colombian, who celebrated his victory in Brazil by visiting a local McDonalds has often been criticised for his 'fuller figure', and ahead of what is sure to be a hard-fought season, the former WilliamsF1 star is taking matters into his own hands.

"Complaints about my weight have followed me throughout my career," he said earlier this week, "but to tell you the truth, whenever I climb out of my car at the end of each race everybody else seems to be more tired than me."

Former WilliamsF1 technical director Patrick Head - in a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black - was often critical of Montoya's weight.

It's understood that Montoya has already lost around 13 pounds, and hopes to lose another 6 or 7 pounds before Melbourne.

Pitpass editor Chris Balfe, who has lost 32 pounds since June, would be delighted to offer the Colombian a special membership rate for Esporta (60 clubs in the UK and Europe), which would qualify him for a special gift set of bubble bath, shampoo and body treatment. While if Connie were to join too, editor Balfe would qualify for a bath robe.