WilliamsF1 confirms FW27 has problems

For the BMW WilliamsF1 team the first words of concern from team management over the new FW27 have come from Frank Williams and Patrick Head, both of whom have said that the new car will not be able to challenge for a race victory in the opening race in Melbourne.

In comments made to the British press both Williams and Head have indicated that there are issues with the new car that will not be resolved by the opening race. It is believed that the main issues with the new car centre on the rear end of the car and a lack of downforce.

Williams said: "It is not a disaster but we are not happy. It's pretty evident the car is not quick enough and we know exactly where 95 per cent of the problem is but we can't fix it by the first race."

Test driver Antonio Pizzonia had previously hinted that the issues with the new car have come about as a result of the team introducing a new wind tunnel and the team lack of understanding of the new facility. This was backed up by WilliamF1s' Director of Engineering Patrick Head who said that the problems with the new car originated during the wind tunnel design stage.

Head said: "We haven't exactly been confused but in changing from one wind tunnel to another we have allowed ourselves to be misled. I'm not going to be too critical on us.

"We have been competitive in recent years but we haven't turned it into Championships. The gap to Ferrari is so big that it makes us all feel second rate. It is an annoyance but there is no point in stomping your feet. I am sure we will be giving them some aggro this season but I don't think it will be in Melbourne."