Pizzonia favourite for WilliamsF1 drive in 2005

With the BMW WilliamsF1 preparing for their series of test sessions with 2005 driver Mark Webber, discussion still surrounds who will be his partner in the 2005 season. Joining Webber in these tests will be current test driver Antonio Pizzonia, Nick Heidfeld and Anthony Davidson. The performances of these three drivers will go someway to helping the team make this choice.

But based on comments from Frank Williams, in an interview with Eurosport, it looks like Pizzonia is going to start as favourite for the drive in 2005.

Williams said: "We consider that our current test driver Antonio Pizzonia is the most likely occupant of the second seat, but it's not a foregone conclusion."

Williams added: "Grand Prix cars are very expensive to operate so you don't want your driver to be on a learning curve. We are looking for effective results each and every time that the driver will run the car, and each punch must count. We would prefer an experienced driver."

But there may be some friction between Webber and Pizzonia after Webber commented on ITV that he did not feel that Pizzonia was good enough to be his team-mate. Webber's opinion of Pizzonia is also based on their time together at Jaguar where Webber consistently out performed the Brazilian.

Even with this WilliamsF1 management may not be prepared to take the risk of getting a totally new driver for 2005, knowing full well that Button will join the team in 2006.