Ralf Schumacher happy with FW24

Despite recent reservations from both Williams drivers about the new FW24 chassis, Ralf Schumacher has said he's very pleased with the BMW engine. With testing time rapidly running out as the first race of the season approaches, Williams are soon to pack up and head for Ausralia. The reliability of the FW24 has seemed good in testing and Ralf was not only happy with the engine, but said the gearbox had been improved as well.

"It is a much lighter weighted package, the weight distribution has also changed. The new engine is more powerful compared to last year, especially and in the lower and middle rev- ranges," he said. "I could really feel the difference. The gear changes are already so well optimised, that they couldn't be made any faster. The main task is to achieve a smaller and lighter gearbox without causing any damage. We haven't made so many revolutionary changes, the way McLaren has. We prefer using another technology. So let's wait and see, which changes were the better."

Williams are aiming to battle it out with McLaren and Ferrari for the title this season and although they showed they were up to the task last year it's yet to be seen how the FW24 will measure up to the competition.