Hungarian GP Williams race notes

Hungarian GP - RACE 19th August 2001
Weather: Hot and Sunny. Air temperature 31°C. Track temperature 39°C.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya finished the Hungarian Grand Prix where they started, in fourth and eighth respectively. Neither driver had an easy race and both are now definitely looking forward to Spa.

Ralf Schumacher
Position: 4th
Chassis: FW23 05
Fastest lap: 1:17.274 - 3rd fastest on lap 54

"This was the toughest race of the year. I was constantly fighting both oversteer and understeer. I had to work very hard to defend my position against Mika Hakkinen, which I managed to do. Although I didn't make the podium today, I am looking forward to celebrating my brother's fourth World Championship today."

Juan Pablo Montoya
Position: 8th
Chassis: FW23 06
Fastest lap: 1:18.030 - 6th fastest on lap 34

"This was one of those weekend when nothing really worked for us. The car felt bad from the beginning to the end of the race, but I was determined to finish as the boys had worked so hard for me. What can I say, just a weekend to forget I think."

Patrick Head (Technical Director WilliamsF1)

"The first thing is to say congratulations to Michael and Ferrari on winning the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships, and this was obviously a perfect result for Ferrari. From our viewpoint we were never quite on the pace this weekend. Ralf made the best job of the equipment he had to get his fourth, as the three people in front of him were the ones that qualified in front of him. Juan Pablo had handling difficulties throughout the race, but in truth this just wasn't a good weekend for him and his car, so we have got to try and turn it around before the next race in Spa."

Dr. Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)

"This is the result of good teamwork under difficult circumstances. It is positive for us that Ralf scored three points and Juan Pablo made it to the finish. This shows we can be reliable in extremely hot weather conditions. We knew in advance the Hungaroring would not suit us, but it seems to be tailor-made for Ferrari. BMW wants to congratulate Michael Schumacher and Ferrari on winning both titles in such a strong manner."

-WilliamsF1