Japanese GP: Williams preview

Japan plays host to the penultimate round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship season next weekend and the BMW WilliamsF1 Team heads to Suzuka with hopes of securing valuable points to augment their position in the Constructors' Championship.

Preparation for the Japanese Grand Prix has been relentless, with Ralf Schumacher, Marc Gené and Olivier Beretta sharing testing responsibilities in Jerez de la Frontera this week, providing developments which will be taken to Japan. Suzuka is an unforgiving circuit that demands the utmost precision from the drivers and engineers, and promises to be another engaging round of the Championship.

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"Apart from the unfortunate technical failure I had last year, I have always done reasonably well at Suzuka. I like the circuit a lot and driving there is good fun. The track should suit our package, which makes me fairly confident for a good result. It was good to collect some points in China and I am aiming to score some more in Japan, as we really need to strengthen our position in the Constructors' Championship."

"I have not been testing this week, but I did fly back to Europe after China in order to honour some PR commitments in the UK. The last month of the season is going to be particularly demanding, with two long haul races and several sponsor days inbetween, nevertheless I am looking forward to the remaining Grands Prix."

Ralf Schumacher:

"I think Suzuka is one of the most interesting tracks on the Formula One calendar, so I am very much looking forward to racing there. Of course it won't be easy though, you need a perfect car to perform well in the fast sectors of the circuit, so we will have to find a good set-up but, in my opinion, we have a good chance of doing that. In Shanghai we demonstrated that we are definitely competitive, despite the unnecessary accident with David Coulthard."

"I lived in Japan for a year while I competed and won the 1996 F3000 championship, so I have good memories of the country and I am looking forward to returning."

Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1):

"Suzuka is one of the greatest circuits on the Formula One calendar, one which demands that the drivers and engineers get everything right to secure a quick lap time. The track has everything, high speed corners, a chicane and a hairpin. It also has some good overtaking opportunities."

"As high speed stability is so important, the set-up on the car is usually compromised in the slow speed sections to ensure that the driver has the confidence to push hard in places like the Esses. Good braking performance is also required for the hairpin and chicane corners."

"We have been testing at Jerez, in Spain, with Ralf, Marc and Olivier working mainly on set- up and tyre compounds. We have a small aero change for the Japanese Grand Prix and Michelin are bringing two strong tyre choices to help us challenge. Strategy is usually straightforward in Suzuka but it can always change from the previous season due to different tyre developments."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"The last two Grands Prix will mark the close of a very difficult season for us. We entered 2004 with high expectations based on positive winter testing, but the first races immediately showed that our competitors had made bigger steps forward over the winter than we had. We also suffered from bad luck from time to time this year, but luck is never something you can rely on."

"Preparations for 2005 are already in full swing in Munich and Grove, but for now we are focused on the last two races of the season in Japan and Brazil where we want to achieve a positive end to the season. Suzuka is an extremely demanding circuit for the drivers and the technology."

"The BMW P84 engine will be subject to particular loads in Suzuka, especially in the high speed 130R turn where the oil system has to withstand a lateral load of 4g. So far, the BMW engine has proved a powerful and reliable unit in 2004, so it should be able to meet the challenges awaiting it in Japan."

-williams-