Williams eye big step forward with FW31

The team finished eighth in last year's Constructors' Championship despite taking two podium finishes, and although Williams still expects the likes of McLaren and Ferrari to be setting the pace, he is confident his team will be more competitive.

"It will be a very interesting year," said Williams. "The new aero rules mean a different approach to the cars in a number of areas. However, by the time we get to Melbourne I would expect the usual suspects to still be dominating the top two positions.

"More importantly, I hope Williams will have made a significantly large step forward with the FW31."

The team also moved to allay concerns over their long-term future financial health, with chief executive officer Adam Parr underlining that the team's budget is secure for the next two seasons.

"We never take anything for granted, but our 2009 and 2010 budgets are in place thanks to the support of our partners as well as the increased revenues from FOM and the work being done by the FIA and FOTA to reduce costs," he said.