Austrian GP Williams preview

The Austrian Grand Prix marks the beginning of a two-race sequence which is particularly meaningful for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and their fans. Together with the German Grand Prix in fact, these are the home races of Gerhard Berger, BMW and Ralf Schumacher. After bringing both the cars to the chequered flag of the French Grand Prix within the top eight and testing for three days last week in Estoril, the team is determined to continue its positive momentum with further developments to the FW22 for the race at the A1-Ring.

Ralf Schumacher
"The race weekend in Magny-Cours was quite successful for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and I am happy with my birthday present of two World Championship points.

"Last year we didn't have such a good performance at the A1-Ring, so we will be pushing very hard to improve in 2000. The A1-Ring has a very low-grip surface and is made up of a combination of slow corners - with just two fourth gear turns at the Gerhard Berger and Jochen Rindt curves - and three medium-fast sections.

"Interestingly, the circuit also has big changes in elevation. The start/finish straight is at the bottom of a hill, then the straight after the Castrol Kurve rises sharply towards Remus Kurve, the highest point on the track. At the A1 Ring the engine is highly stressed and the percentage of the lap spent on 100% throttle is one of the highest of any current F1 circuit. It would be great to finish within the points this year."

Jenson Button
"It' going to be good getting back on a race track even though again - with the Austrian circuit - I will have the same problem I've had with many other circuits. The A1-Ring is completely new to me and it's going to take a little practice time to learn it. As usual I will be walking the track on Thursday - with Gerhard Berger - who will show me all the tricky bits of his home-circuit and explain to me how to make the most of this challenging circuit. After the French weekend - when I qualified 10th and ended the race in 8th position - I feel reasonably confident about my performance in Austria. Last week's testing in Estoril was positive as we made a few helpful changes and the car was feeling definitely better. I am looking forward to being on track again with the other teams though, in order to compare how competitive our car really is."

Frank Williams
"A challenging and fantastic racetrack which is very popular with fans and drivers given its beautiful and charming country nature. The crowds always seem to enjoy the race weekend so much and I am continuously amazed how many people choose to camp in fields which are often very wet. Long may their enthusiasm continue !"