As for the issue of engine reliability, with several failures in the last two Grand Prix, Ralf is confident that the problems that the team had are behind them.

As for the engine failures that has hit the WilliamsF1 team Ralf is not concerned by them, believing that the series of failures was more a coincidence.

In a recent interview Ralf said: "It was a bit of a coincidence really. I don't see any problem at all.

As for BMW providing the WilliamsF1 drivers some reassurance that these failures were a thing of the past Ralf does not feel that this is required. Given the nature of pushing engines to their limits it is only natural that such failures will occur.

Ralf added: "He (Dr Mario Theissen) doesn't need to reassure me. That's the reason why we have one of the best engines in Formula One, that's why we have this consistent development and we go to the limits. Certainly, if you go to the limits, things like this do happen. But it's not a problem."

As for the possibility of rain during the weekend Ralf felt that this should not pose a problem for him and his Michelin tyres.

Ralf said: "I'm relatively confident. We have had good tests. We have a sensible tyre concerning temperature and track but since we haven't driven here in the wet with the new tyre, it's difficult to say, but I've no doubt they will work."

As for how he will perform in the European Grand Prix Ralf was confident and felt that this years car, which is an improvement over the 2001 car, should perform well.

Ralf added: "Well, we've never really had a bad car this year, so it's going to be another reasonable race for us. Although I haven't seen the first corners, they look a lot tighter, certainly it has become a bit slower, which hasn't been really good for us, but we will see. Last year the car looked reasonable, we have a better car this year, so it should be fine. Concerning the weather, we will take it as it comes."

In a separate issue Ralf has had to defend himself in regard to his on-track behaviour, in particular his failure to attempt to make passing attempts on several drivers including his brother Michael. Ralf has made it clear that such criticism is unwarranted. Ralf feels that if he does not pass he gets criticised and if does and the end result is him going off them track in his attempt then he also gets criticised. Been the driver it is totally up to him to make the decision about passing, not some outside observers.

Ralf said: "First of all, many people have had problems overtaking Michael this year, not only me. In Brazil, there was never a chance and as long as I'm in the car I'm the one to decide when to overtake and when not to. If there is not a chance I'm not going to do a stupid move and lose points.

I was never ever close enough in Brazil. Concerning Canada, when I had the chance, we both... at least Kimi went straight over the kerb, so did I because I couldn't go anywhere else and then I wasn't allowed to overtake and then after that I didn't have the chance. That's the way it is.

We certainly weren't good enough out of corners, traction wise I always lost slightly, and we weren't quick enough on the straights as well to close up and overtake. That was it. Whenever there's a chance, I will overtake. When there isn't, I can't."