More tests before Williams decision

Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia face more tests with Williams before the team makes a decision about which one will partner Mark Webber this season. Speaking at a media event to unveil a new sponsor this week, Sir Frank Williams said he hoped to have a driver decision by the time the new FW27 is launched at Valencia on January 31st.

BMW WilliamsF1 drivers Antonio Pizzonia, Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld.

Photo by BMW WilliamsF1.

"Our present line is to be fair above all to the team but also both drivers, to give them the chance to prove they deserve a seat," Williams commented. "I think we are talking two or three more tests. We'd like to have a decision certainly at the latest by the launch of the new car at the end of this month in Valencia."

Pizzonia put in some good performances when standing in for the injured Ralf Schumacher last season and would have been in the race seat already had it not been for Heidfeld's appearance.

"We've had the good fortune to race Antonio a number of times last year, and every race he started he did a better job than previously," said Williams.

"Nick's arrival on the testing scene was not expected. We were happy with Antonio for 2005 but we felt it was sensible to look at a rival in case there was someone better out there. If Nick had not been so obvious to us then Antonio would have been confirmed already, we think he's that good."

Williams displayed its new livery in Bahrain this week, with Heidfeld and Pizzonia present along with Webber. The Australian is already impressing Williams. "He has brought a lot to the team, and his spirit shows us he is worth working very hard for," said the team boss.