Australian GP: Williams race notes

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team collected four points today in the season opening Australian Grand Prix. Mark Webber today equalled his best ever Grand Prix finish, achieving 5th place again at the Albert Park circuit, just as in 2002. Team-mate Nick Heidfeld was involved in an unfortunate accident with Michael Schumacher with 15 laps to go, which put an early end to his race.

Mark Webber:

"Coming 5th is not a bad start at all, but I think that we actually had an opportunity for a better result today. I lost one position to Coulthard at the first corner, when I was looking after my tyres and trying not to lock my wheels. After that I was stuck behind him, which was a bit frustrating. We have put the first race behind us and we have learned a lot about the car and the tyres. The car has proved to be reliable and this is very important."

Nick Heidfeld:

"I gained two places at the start and then had a good first stint in fifth position, but after the first pit-stop I got stuck behind Trulli and Klien and couldn't do much. With regards to the accident with Michael I think that I made a good move. Michael just came out of the pits and obviously he had a bad exit from the first chicane because he wasn't on the ideal line."

"I went alongside him and I could have out-braked him but he didn't leave me any space and pushed me on to the grass, where braking is obviously impossible. Apart from this unfortunate end to my race, we had a good weekend here, probably better than expected and Mark finished in the points."

Sam Michael (Technical Director WilliamsF1):

"It is good to come away with some points, which is the most important thing. It is a shame that we could not get some more. We certainly were fast enough to score 2 or 3 more, however, it's only the first race of a long season. Mark drove a good race and Nick did too until his incident with Michael. We are looking forward to the Malaysian Grand Prix now to where we will bring some more performance to the car. The Michelin tyres were solid for the whole race."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"Today a better result was within possibilities. Compared to the competitors, our lap times were ok, but in the course of the race luck was not really on our side. Both drivers got stuck in traffic and eventually lost positions. The accident of Nick and Michael Schumacher was unfortunate too."

"Over the course of the weekend we experienced no technical problems. According to the regulations Nick will now get a fresh engine for the Malaysian Grand Prix. The engine of Mark's car will be sealed and transported to Sepang."

Mark Webber: 5th
Chassis: FW27 03
Best time: 1:26.493min (lap 37, 8h overall)

Nick Heidfeld: DNF (accident at lap 42)
Chassis: FW27 04
Best time: 1:26.854min (lap 38, 12th overall)

-williams-