WilliamsF1 team aims to maintain position

The team and drivers will be helped by the fact that the final two European races are on circuits that should suit the BMW WilliamsF1 FW24 cars, with their powerful BMW P82 engine.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen explained, in comments on BMW web site, how he and the team feels about the race this weekend: “Everybody is looking forward to racing at Spa-Francorchamps. It is a true driver’s circuit and also a highlight for spectators. Spa is one of the last character circuits and for me as I am from the Eifel region it is also a kind of a home race.”

As for the engines Theissen added: “We feel well prepared with our engines and there will be no major modifications for Spa."

But it should not be forgotten that the changeable weather conditions at the circuit can certain throw a teams plans out as they have to adjust their race strategies to cope with the weather.

WilliamsF1 Chief Operations Engineer Sam Michael explains how race strategy can change: "Race strategy is more uncertain now because the circuit has been changed at the bus stop chicane, so the entry to the pits appears to take longer. This always makes the strategy tend towards less pit stops, but it is something we will be evaluating on Friday. Our normal weekend program should identify the best tyre to take. It will be a harder decision than normal due to the fluctuating weather conditions that are always part of the Spa circuit."

As for the drivers they both are tied on equal; points and are looking to close the gap to second placed Rubens Barrichello. But the weekend may also see Juan Pablo secure pole for the tenth time at Spa-Francorchamps in only his 31st Grand Prix. In 2001 Juan Pablo was able to secure three poles and so far in 2001 he has six to his name, five in a row.

Based on his pole position performance at Spa in 2001 this is a circuit which Juan Pablo enjoys and it is quite possible that Juan Pablo could reach the tenth pole position of his career.