Malaysian GP: Williams race notes

Malaysian Grand Prix 17th March 2002

A one-two score for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in Malaysia. Ralf Schumacher achieved his fourth F1 victory and his team mate Juan Pablo Montoya was second. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team leads the Constructors Championship for the first time since the British-German partnership begun and the last time WilliamsF1 was in front was 1997. Juan Pablo Montoya is now 2nd in the Driver's World Championship ahead of Ralf Schumacher, who is 3rd.

Ralf Schumacher

"This was a wonderful day, everything went simply the perfect way. Of course I had a bit of luck and I could take advantage of the first corner incident. I am sorry for both Juan Pablo and Michael, but sometimes it works like this. Two weeks ago it was Michael to take advantage of my accident. My car was wonderful to drive, especially after the pitstop. Our Michelin tyres were great as well and I am happy Juan Pablo and myself achieved the first one-two for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team."

Juan Pablo Montoya

"At the start Michael went completely to the right side of the track, which was easily predictable, but when we both came to the first corner I gave him enough room but he had a bit of understeer and touched me, and that was it! It was a bit frustrating because the car was very good and the tyres also seemed to be there from the first lap. I think it was unfair to penalise me with the drive through penalty, because in my opinion I did not cause the collision and this was a normal racing accident which was also confirmed by Michael in the media conference. The climb through the field was very exciting, even if I had to do it twice."

Patrick Head (Technical Director, WilliamsF1)

"That was a great effort from everybody and a well earned success for Ralf and Juan, who had a hard job to recover. The drivers, the team, the engines, car and tyres, today everything worked perfectly. It is very pleasing for everybody and a good reward for all the hard work in the winter time."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)

"This is a sensational result as it is the first one-two victory for BMW engines in the history of Formula One. Even on our way to the championship title in 1983 this did not happen. The drivers and the team were just brilliant today. And of course we are a bit proud of the performance and reliability of our engines in the extreme heat of Malaysia. I want to thank our team in Munich, which I hope is celebrating now as well. The only thing we did not achieve this weekend was pole position so we have something to go for ! Talking seriously, we will work as hard as we can in order to continue on this level."

Weather: dry, 33C Air, 39C Track, 52% Humidity (average)

Ralf Schumacher: 1st Chassis: FW24 04 Fastest Lap: 1:38.369 on lap 29 (2nd fastest overall)

Juan Pablo Montoya: 2nd
Chassis: FW24 02
Fastest Lap: 1:38.049 on lap 38 (fastest overall)

-williams-