|
 In
an exclusive for the WilliamsF1 Supporters site WilliamsF1 team boss Frank
Williams took time to answer a few questions regarding the teams performance
in the 2005 Formula One season, and also several looking to the 2006 season
where the WilliamsF1 team will use Cosworth engines and Bridgestone tyres.
1. Looking back how do you
rate the 2005 Formula One season? Will it be one that will be viewed as a
memorable season of racing?
"As a fan, if you like, of the season, I think we had some very good races
this year. As often happens, however, a number of incidents or duals are
missed by the television directors so the viewing public miss them
sometimes. The highlight of the season was clearly the Japanese GP but there
have been many others that are also memorable."
2. How do you view the WilliamsF1 team’s performances in the 2005 F1
season?
"As a team, we learnt many lessons this year but, in terms of results, it
was a bitterly disappointing season, for us and our partners."
3. How do you view the performance of the team driver Mark Webber?
"Mark is definitely an extremely quick racing driver, proved by his
outstanding performances in qualifying. He made only two small errors in
qualifying this year and that was it. In the actual race, he’s had
difficulty in getting away cleanly and avoiding those around him
occasionally. But, once he settles into a rhythm, he gets the best out of
the car."
4. For you what were the main highs and lows of the 2005 season for the
WilliamsF1 team?
"Our second and third place at Monaco was obviously the high point. The main
low I guess would have to be Brazil when both cars were knocked out of the
race within 50 metres of the start."
5. Are there any regrets with the departure of BMW or is it a case of
looking to the future with new engine supplier Cosworth?
"It is a major regret that we were unable to make the partnership work,
which had an effect on our ability to achieve the results we were hoping
for. The marriage, if you like, promised much but unfortunately failed to
deliver. We never forget what happened in the past but we anticipate and
look towards the future as best we can."
6. Despite the team’s lack of success of late, what still makes the
WilliamsF1 team attractive to sponsors such as the Royal Bank of Scotland?
"All teams ebb and flow in their fortunes and we are no different to that.
We have the engineering muscle to be able to force our way back to the front
end of the grid and that’s what we are working towards now."
7. What impact do you feel the new V8 engines will have on Formula One in
2006, will it improve the racing?
"Well, they may improve the overtaking, and the cars might be slightly
easier to drive as there’ll be less power to cope with. I imagine the racing
will be no worse and it might be intrinsically better."
8. What do you feel that Bridgestone has to offer after so many years
been a Michelin supplied team?
"For most of the time that we were supplied by Michelin, we were receiving a
thrashing from the Bridgestone supplied Ferraris. Fortunately for the rest
of the field that changed in 2005. Bridgestone know how to win, as Michelin
do, so it’s probable that neither will enjoy total domination again (I
hope)."
9. After your long and successful leadership of the WilliamsF1 team how
do you maintain your motivation to continue in Formula One?
"I love what I do, it’s as simple as that." |
