Williams chief wants improvement

Williams co-owner Patrick Head reckons success is imperative in 2006 after two disappointing seasons. He said that as an independent company, Williams would find it tough to survive competitively if their fortunes did not improve.

Patrick Head "It's too long since we won a title and that's something we have to correct if we want to be taken seriously as a competitive force. We were fourth last year and won a race but this year was more difficult."

Williams last won the Constructors' title in 1997, when Canadian Jacques Villeneuve also took the Drivers' title. The team failed to win a race in 2005 and face a difficult 2006 as they will be without their engine partner of the last six seasons, BMW - who bought Sauber and will race under its own name next season.

As well as switching to Cosworth engines, Williams is moving to Bridgestone tyres.

Nico Rosberg has signed a contract at Williams and is expected to team up with Mark Webber. Head is confident that Williams can find a way back to challenge in the standings again.
"Anyone can keep running a team down until it's dead in the water, but that's not what Williams is about. We're a company that has survived on action rather than talk and we must deliver next year. Anybody who thinks we are a spent force would be making a rash judgement."