For Nick the next couple of weeks will have a significant part in determining whether he will take on the role of full time drive with the team or that of test driver. The team is planning to run three head-to-head test sessions with Pizzonia and Heidfeld in order to evaluate each driver and help the team make a decision.

Both Mark and Nick would use the FW26B, with the new livery, as they worked through their test programme. Both drivers would focus on evaluation of various set-ups. By the end of the day it would be Nick who would set the fastest time with Mark second. This was certainly the right way for Nick to start proceedings as he fights it out with Pizzonia. Mark would completed ninety laps, with a best lap time of 1m:17.493, while Nick would complete eighty one laps, with a best time of 1m:17.447.

In previous interviews for the team both Nick and Antonio had spoken of the fight for the second WilliamsF1 driving role.

Nick said: "Fighting for the second seat is the biggest chance I have ever had in my career. Whether at a test or in the factory, being with the BMW Williams team is a complete change to what I'm used to."

Pizzonia said: "For sure, I want to race in 2005. The evaluation at the tests is fine, tough competition is a natural part of Formula One. This month is going to be the most important of my career. If I don't get the second race seat, I will give the team my full support as a test driver, in order to help them win races again."

Testing will continue on Tuesday when Ferrari, Renault and Toyota and scheduled to take part.

POS. DRIVER TEAM TIME LAPS

1. N. Heidfeld BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:17.447 34/81
2. M. Webber BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:17.493 27/90
3. A. Davidson Lucky Strike BAR. Honda 1:18.160 28/75
4. E. Bernoldi Lucky Strike BAR. Honda 1:19.210 34/91