Lauda backs WilliamsF1 in 2004

By Andrew Hooper
November 7 2003


	Lauda backs WilliamsF1 in 2004

	For three-time Formula One Champion Niki Lauda the WilliamsF1 team will go into the 2004 Formula One season as favourites. In an interview on the BMW-Motorsport website Lauda said that WilliamsF1 will continue their fight with Ferrari but they will have an advantage. 2003 saw Ferrari take the constructors title from WilliamsF1. Lauda said: "At the end of the day it will be a duel between Ferrari and the WilliamsF1, and in my opinion, the WilliamsF1 team will enjoy a slight advantage next year. "The team seems to have the best overall package and in 2004 they will be competitive from the very first race of the season; particularly as they have started to test their new engine for 2004 as early as in September." As for the prospects of the two WilliamsF1 drivers Lauda feels that the situation will be reversed in 2004, after Juan Pablo Montoya would beat teammate Ralf Schumacher in the drivers title. Lauda added: "This year Ralf and Juan Pablo have been evenly matched. But I expect Ralf to have an advantage in 2004 as Juan Pablo has manoeuvred himself into a strange situation by flirting with McLaren."