The day would see Antonio evaluating various traction control configurations. This included several practice starts. He would also work through various setups as well as evaluating tyres for Michelin. Antonio completed 127 laps with a best time of 1m:16.993.

For Nick his day would see him conduct a full race simulation, completing 117 laps with a best lap time of 1m:16.712. With both drivers keen to fill the second driving role for 2005 their performances took on an even more significant role. Tomorrow WilliamsF1, with other Michelin teams, are scheduled to carry out a wet weather tyre test.

The BMW WilliamsF1 team issued the following press release at the conclusion of their five days of testing.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today completed their first test of 2005. In preparation for the forthcoming season, the team ran two interim FW26 chassis over five days at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. Mark Webber, Antonio Pizzonia and Nick Heidfeld were all on hand to share testing duties at the Spanish circuit.

With extensive revisions to the Championship’s regulations for 2005, the team worked through an intensive schedule of set-up work, systems checks, brake and tyre testing. Over the week, the drivers collectively accumulated almost 1,000 laps while setting the quickest times on three out of the five days.

Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1)
“This week we covered 4,393km over the five days in Jerez, with all three drivers in the two FW26Cs at some stage. It is great to have covered such high mileage on the new rear end of the car.

The main focus of the week was tyre testing for Michelin, continuing the work we started with our tyre partner before Christmas. We also spent time working on brake and traction control testing, as well as practising starts for the new regulations.”

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)
"The team concluded an extensive five day programme in Jerez today. Three drivers shared duties and we were able to complete up to 145 laps per car. Obviously the issues we concentrated on were those relating to the new rules. The first element is tyres, which will have to last for qualifying and the race in the coming season, so we carried out a lot of work with Michelin.

The impact on the new engine regulations is also of major importance. We did an endurance test run, and a race simulation. From the results achieved so far we are satisfied, although the current engine specifications showed some weaknesses. We are now preparing the last development stage of the engine specification in preparation for Melbourne."

POS. DRIVER TEAM TIME LAPS

1. A. Wurz West McLaren Mercedes 1:15.983 28/103
2. J.P. Montoya West McLaren Mercedes 1:16.476 21/103
3. N. Heidfeld BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:16.712 57/117
4. A. Pizzonia BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:16.993 24/127
5. R. Zonta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:17.289 77/162
6. J. Trulli Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:18.017 38/75
7. M. Gené Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:18.429 18/54