Fifth rostrum finish for WilliamsF1?

By Andrew Hooper
July 20 2003

 

 

  
Fifth rostrum finish for WilliamsF1?
 
After qualifying for the British Grand Prix the BMW WilliamsF1 drivers would occupy the fourth and seventh positions on the grid. Despite the fact that the team, based on their practice performances, had hoped to see their cars closer to the front BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen still is hopeful that the team can achieve another rostrum finish, the fifth in a row.

Dr Mario TheissenOn the BMW Motorsport web site Theissen commented on his hopes for the race. He said: “We hope that we are able to continue our rhythm of success in Silverstone. Remember, there weren’t only those two victories but four strong races in a row.”

Theissen added: “The team has kept on working, so we have brought some minor things to Silverstone that should bring us another improvement anyway. I’m rather confident for the race as long as it stays dry.”

As for the issue of the changeable weather at Silverstone, where there is a chance of rain for the race Dr Theissen said:  “The weather is the real problem here in Silverstone, for should we have to race in the rain, our chances would be looking much less promising. So we are praying for sunshine and we wouldn’t mind at all should it be some degrees hotter tomorrow.”

For Dr Theissen the race at Silverstone is going to be a real test of how well the team is performing, in particular in how the recent improvements with the FW25 will translate into performance on the track.

Theissen said: “Silverstone is a decisive race from two points of view. On the one hand we will see if we are able to continue our streak of success and if we will be able to take the current advantage of our package into the summer break. At the other hand Silverstone is an aerodynamics circuit, a circuit where it is vital to be good in fast corners. In recent years this track has suited McLaren and Ferrari best, but now we want to find out if we are able to go their pace at this kind of track as well."
 
 
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