Mark Webber speaks out
Williams F1 team's Mark Webber talks about his first season with the Williams team, BMW's decision to leave and start up an own team and his expectations about for the 2006 Formula One season and his new team mate: Nico Rosberg
Interview with Mark Webber:
Mark, what are your impressions following the first tests for Williams?"Obviously, you realise the changes caused by the switch to V8 engines. There is less power, and as a driver you are not too happy with this. In consideration of this fact, our lap times were relatively good and I'm anxious to see how the forthcoming season will unfold, though I'm confident that we will be successful."
How do you assess the past season with the Williams team?"We definitely hoped to do better, it was frustrating for everybody. The season finished off okay, as we succeeded in improving our performance and managed to secure some good results. The middle part of the Championship, however, was very hard for us – and there were many races all together in a row. It was a long, hard season – but I learned a lot."
What was your personal season highlight?"It wasn't Monaco, although I finished third, thus securing my first podium finish. The race was rather frustrating, as I could have achieved an even better result. For me, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa was a very rewarding race. There, I finished fourth in an exhausting race, which took place in difficult conditions. Therefore, this result was probably the highlight of my season. Suzuka was also rewarding, following a good effort by the team and me."
BMW and Williams will go their own ways in 2006. What's your comment on the co-operation in the past year?"I wish BMW all the best. The guys at BMW have been fantastic. I totally respect and understand their decision to go and carry out their own programme, and the desire to be successful. We will meet as opponents on the track next year. Formula One is a very tough business, and both parties will try hard to be as successful as possible. As I've already said: I wish BMW good luck for 2006."
What are your personal goals?"My goal is, of course, to finish better in the Championship than this year. But it's always the team and the driver together. Should we succeed as a team in being competitive right from the start, the results will automatically follow. Nico Rosberg is a young, highly motivated team-mate. He is absolutely ready to go. He had a great season in GP2 and if he is not ready, than I really don’t know who is. I'm looking forward to the battles with him."
http://www.f1technical.net/news/1417
