WilliamsF1 Driver Shortlist

As for David Coulthard it has been reported in the British media that he has been to the WilliamsF1 headquarters to put his case forward as to why the team should take him on as Webber's partner in 2005.

For Coulthard a drive with the WilliamsF1 team may be his last opportunity of staying in Formula One, after having left McLaren. Coulthard said in an interview with the BBC: "I quite simply want the opportunity to show what I can do at a team outside the nine years I had at McLaren. I believe I can deliver."

He added: "I can't deny I haven't been up with Kimi (Raikkonen) in the second half of the season. But that's not because I ran out of talent. You've got to be mentally and physically well-prepared and that's very difficult to do in a position where you know you're not wanted."

For Nick Heidfeld his time spent with Jordan saw him score points in Monaco ad Canada. Despite struggling for many he still performed well given the nature of the Jordan team he was driving for. If he fails to get a full-time drive Heidfeld has spoken of how he would be happy to take on a testing role with the WilliamsF1 team. Heidfeld was at one time listed to replace an injured Ralf Schumacher during the 2004 season.

Prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix Heidfeld commented on his desire to join the WilliamsF1 team. He said: "There is a seat with a good team going free. I talked a lot with Williams in the summer, but the planned test did not materialise. I would like to work with them next year and, if the only option is as test driver, then that would also be okay."

As for current WilliamsF1 test driver Antonio Pizzonia he impressed the team considerably when he was filled in for the injured Ralf Schumacher at four Grand Prix during 2004. Even Frank Williams praised him for his performances. Based on this it may be that the WilliamsF1 team would want to go with a know driver rather than having to cope with someone new.

But one driver who has had Antonio alongside him is Mark Webber, and Mark did not come away impressed by the performances of the Brazilian when they both were at Jaguar. He may be reluctant to have him as the teams second driver but if the team did go down this path would at least know that it would only be for one season.

Another test driver who has considerably raised his value is BAR's Anthony Davidson. In 2004 Davidson showed that he is a very talented driver who was always up near the top of the time sheets when ever he ran.

As for Mika Hakkinen his recent test of a Mercedes DTM touring car and rumours that he wants to get back onto Formula One have started speculation that he could make such a comeback with the WilliamsF1 team. But his chances would seem to be somewhat remote.

The rumours now have the WilliamsF1 team getting several of these drivers out testing when the team returns to the track late in November at Barcelona, essentially to compare them and make a decision based on their performances.