FW25 Genuine Challenger

Both these teams were using updated versions of their 2002 cars and in the opening races have made the FW25 look far from competitive.

Now the WilliamsF1 team has to face the added dimension of having to cope with these two teams introducing their 2003 cars. So far the WilliamsF1 team is only fourth in the teams championship, with teams such as Renault looking competitive in the early races.

But there is one person who is not letting this worry him. WilliamsF1 head Frank Williams insists that the FW25 is a "genuine challenger".

Williams is confident that the teams development programme will reap rewards.

Williams said: "We will have to see what Ferrari and McLaren bring with their new cars. I am sure there will be substantial improvements. We have our own programme which at the moment is delivering handsomely.

"It won't be good in every race but it's an aggressive, well-managed programme. I think it will be the second half of the year before hopefully we are a genuine challenger."

Williams still feels that the season is very open and his team should not be discounted.

Williams added: "Every year it's the same thing, if someone wins the first race the first question is do you think the Championship is gone. There are four races and everything is open - it's exciting."