WilliamsF1 resume testing on Tuesday

This Tuesday will see the WilliamsF1 team return to the track with the team travelling to Barcelona to commence testing with the teams new Cosworth engine and Bridgestone tyres. The team will be using a modified FW27 chassis for the test.

With the teams race drivers been announced, with Nico Rosberg joining Mark Webber, it is also expected that the team will shortly announce their Friday driver. Several drivers would appear to be on the short list for this position, but with the team losing the support of BMW it may be the case that the team has to take into consideration what funds the driver can bring to the team.

It is for this reason that the names of ex Jordan driver Narain Karthikeyan and ex Minardi driver Nicolas Kiesa are at the top of the list as it is expected that they will be able to bring considerable amounts of funding to the team. Other drivers who may able be on the list include Anthony Davidson, Alex Wurz, and Robert Doornbos.

WilliamsF1's Technical Director Sam Michael would not comment of the identity of the teams third driver but he did add that the teams decision would go beyond financial considerations. The driver would have to be able to perform in their testing role and be able to provide the team with good feedback.

In an interview for the British Autosport magazine Michael said: "The key requirement for a third driver is that they are consistent and give good technical feedback. Even the ability to learn a track is almost secondary because of the simulations we have.

"I have been surprised by the abilities of some of the guys we have been speaking to."

As for Karthikeyan his manager Piers Hunnisett said: ''We're still talking to Williams, 'but we've had discussions with BMW as well.''