Hot off the heels of the
French Grand Prix, the teams head to Silverstone circuit, in the UK,
this week for round eleven of the 2005 FIA Formula One World
Championship, the British Grand Prix. The race remains a firm favourite
on the calendar for WilliamsF1, the Northamptonshire track being the
location of Frank Williams' first Formula One victory in 1979, as well
as the team's 100th GP win in 1997. Located near WilliamsF1's factory in
Grove, next weekend's race is also one of the only opportunities for
many of the team to witness their cars in action.
Silverstone is a true racer's circuit, one that demands courage from the
drivers and precision set-up from the cars. With even further
developments for the FW27 chassis to be introduced at the British Grand
Prix, the team hopes to reproduce its previous successes at Silverstone
while providing the fans with some great entertainment at the home of
British motor racing.
Mark Webber:
"Silverstone is always a
place I enjoy going to. Because I've lived in England for a long time, I
have many friends that always come to support the teams I have competed
for at the British Grand Prix. I have many good memories of Silverstone.
In 1997, I raced in F3 for Alan Docking Racing, whose team was based
there, while I won there when I was driving in F3000. Last year's F1
race was good and, last, but not least, home is only 40 minutes away! I
have also done a lot of cycling round that area so I know the place
pretty well.
The circuit itself is massively demanding. It's a high speed circuit,
not too dissimilar to Barcelona. As we know, weather can play a huge
role at Silverstone, but it would be good to have decent conditions. I
really hope we'll be more competitive next weekend and have a good race
for one of the team's home GPs."
Nick Heidfeld:
"Like Barcelona, Silverstone is well known by all the drivers and teams
as everyone does a lot of testing there. I find the track quite
challenging because it has a couple of fast corners, one I particularly
enjoy is Becketts. I also like the English fans who know a lot about the
sport and seem to be real enthusiasts. Although the weather at
Silverstone can sometimes be even worse than that at the Nürburgring, I
quite like driving in the rain and a wet track always provides more fun
for me."
Sam Michael Technical Director:
"After
France, we head to the UK for our home race, the British Grand Prix, and
the final part of the double header. Silverstone is a high speed
circuit, with fast changes of direction and three straights that reward
power. It also has a slow speed complex to finish off the lap. Aero
efficiency is important at Silverstone, with the cars' set-up geared
towards helping high speed stability while not losing too much grip in
the complex.
To give our drivers the best chance at the British Grand Prix, we have
some further aero and mechanical upgrades for the cars. The chassis
development has been pushed really hard this year to improve the FW27.
2005 has been the hardest and fastest development year we have ever had
and the improved chassis proves the hard work is yielding results.
Overtaking is possible at Silverstone, as was demonstrated a couple of
years ago. The teams' strategy decisions will be clearer now that the
qualifying format has settled down again."
.
Dr Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"Silverstone
is one of the most traditional venues on the race calendar and, even
after all this time, it remains one of the most popular circuits. At
WilliamsF1's home race, we want to make sure we get a good result.
Having four races within one month, July presents a real challenge for
everybody involved, especially because we have already had two
back-to-back races recently, including an overseas trip. Given the
hectic schedule, any development of the chassis is even more remarkable.
The new aerodynamic package, having made its debut in Magny-Cours,
should bear more fruit at Silverstone.
The three straights of the Silverstone circuit reward engine power. With
58 per cent full throttle per lap, Silverstone ranks slightly higher
than the average F1 track. Nick and Mark will both have new BMW P84/5
engines for the British Grand Prix."
|