Formula One news

Williams still 'top' team

Williams has refused to embrace popular perception that it should no longer count itself among the very 'top' team players in F1 pitlane. Having split with BMW, last secured a title in 1997 and finished fifth in this season's constructors' fight, the team co-owned by Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head says it can still be a force.

"In the last three decades," technical director Sam Michael told 'Motorsport Aktuell' magazine, "Williams, McLaren and Ferrari have dominated formula one." He added: "Renault interfered now and then, but generally that was always the 'big three'." 


With that in mind, despite having to contest 2006 with effectively a 'customer' Cosworth engine, Australia's Michael said the ultimate goal will always be to triumph. "If you don't think like that," Michael persisted, "then even mentally you're not a top team. We will never be content without victory."

The prospect for 2006, meanwhile, is not all bad. The engine may not be works backed and the budget may be less, but Michael says the second wind tunnel is now fully calibrated -- unlike in early '05 when it supplied bad data.

Also changed is the design front, with Gavin Fisher out the door and former BAR man Jorg Zander occupying his office. Michael said: "We said to Zander immediately in September, 'forget the current car, concentrate on the FW28 for 2006'.'

"We want to start winning again, which is what we have told all of our sponsors and it's what we have told Cosworth."

more news

• 11 Oct.
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans
  • Hamilton: I'm stronger and in a better position
  • Alonso: BMW was never a serious option
  • Photos: Thursday at Fuji
  • Japanese Grand Prix technical preview
• 08 Oct.
  • Bridgestone to introduce green tyres in Japan
  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
  • Di Resta to test McLaren at Silverstone

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