Brazilian GP: Williams race notes

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team continues to lead the 2002 FIA Formula One Constructors World Championship thanks to Ralf Schumacher coming second after a tough battle with brother Michael and Juan Pablo Montoya finishing fifth after having to run up the field due to an accident right after the start, which dropped him to the back of the field.

Ralf Schumacher

"It was an intense battle with my brother. I was not too happy with my car's balance though, so we changed some things at the pit stop. The car became a lot better and also the second set of tyres worked better. I could catch up a bit with Michael, unfortunately not enough to overtake him though also due to lapped cars. I kept on hoping Michael would make a mistake and brake a bit too late, allowing me to pass him, but he did not do me this favour. All in all we had a successful weekend and I must thank the team for the excellent job."

Juan Pablo Montoya

"I am really disappointed about how the race went, although I got two points in the end. I started from pole position and got the fastest lap today, it should have been my race. After the start I made a mistake in the first corner, therefore Michael could get in front of me. Afterwards I tried to overtake him again, but he cut across and ripped off my front wing. Again, I am very disappointed."

Sam Michael (Chief Operations Engineer, WilliamsF1)

"It was a good day in terms of collecting points for the team as we are still leading the Constructors Championship. Even though it was disappointing that we could not make it to the Ferrari. Also it was a shame that after only one lap we just had one car remaining for the fight to win the race. Anyway, it was a good performance from the team and the drivers and we are looking forward to Imola."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)

"Today's race was a thriller right from the start. It was a pity that Juan retired from the fight in front after the incident. Ralf drove a strong race. We hardly failed to win, but having got six points for Ralf, at least two for Juan, having achieved the fastest lap and the pole position it was all in all a successful race weekend. Furthermore this has been the third Grand Prix weekend in a row without any technical problems."

Weather: dry, 310C Air, 400C Track

Ralf Schumacher 2nd
Chassis: FW24 04
Fastest Lap: 1:16.224 on lap 55 (2nd fastest overall)

Juan Pablo Montoya 5th
Chassis: FW24 02
Fastest Lap: 1:16.079 on lap 60 (fastest overall)

-williams-