Williams still confident

For the sixth successive race, Bridgestone-shod Williams failed to score any points at the French Grand Prix. But the team is convinced that its performance at Magny Cours - Webber (above) retired, Rosberg finished 14th - was an improvement on recent form.

"The performance is definitely turning around," said technical director Sam Michael after the race. "We were stronger here than we were in each of the last two or three races, and we were definitely strong enough to score points. Had Mark finished, he would definitely have been in the points."

Webber had an exciting dice with Pedro de la Rosa for eighth place in the early laps, but he suffered a wheel rim failure on lap 39, just one lap after pitting for fresh Bridgestones.

Nico Rosberg took solace from his qualifying performance, which saw him secure ninth place prior to an engine change and subsequent 10-place penalty.

"We showed some progress in qualifying," he said, "So it's a shame that we weren't more competitive in the race."