Austrian GP Williams Friday notes

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers, Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, had a trouble-free productive first day of practice in Austria. Although both drivers had minor off-track excursions, the cars were not damaged and they were both able to find the limits of the cars and the slippery track. Ralf was 4th and Juan Pablo 11th.

Ralf Schumacher:
"I had a totally trouble-free practice today. We tried everything we wanted to and also made our tyre choice. However, I don't think it will be easy to get a top six grid position tomorrow, especially as the lap times of all the top runners are very close."

Juan Pablo Montoya:
"My main task today was to work on getting a race set-up for the car. We tried both the tyres available. I know the track well from Formula 3000, but obviously this was my first opportunity to drive here in a Formula One car. I had no problems so it is a good start to the weekend."

Patrick Head:
"We have done a useful day of homework for the race and now understand the car set-up we have to achieve for the tyres in both new and used conditions. Neither driver had any technical problems. I think the Valencia test was useful, particularly for verifying the traction control system we wish to run."

Dr. Mario Theissen:
"We were able to do a lot of running with both cars and from the lap times it is obvious we are well-prepared for the weekend after just the first day. The engines ran with no problems whatsoever and we used the traction control. Altogether we are satisfied with practice today and are looking forward to tomorrow's qualifying."