Williams pleased with team's progress

Williams has not won since 2004, when Juan Pablo Montoya won the Brazilian Grand Prix on his final appearance for the outfit, but has claimed top five finishes in the past four races. Despite being sixth in the constructor's standings, Williams is just 14.5 points off third-placed Ferrari.

"The team has done very well," said Williams when asked by AUTOSPORT what he made of its form so far this season. "It's edifying to see the technical progress of the car, which has got quicker and quicker.

"The trick is to get even closer to the front so that we have a real chance of winning. That's what gets us out of bed in the morning."

Williams also paid tribute to driver Nico Rosberg's contribution. The German has scored points in eight out of 10 races this year, including fourth places in the last two races at the Nurburgring and Hungaroring, and Williams believes that the interest other teams are showing in signing him is a reflection of his ability.

"In a way, it's great news because it tells us that we've got a very good driver," said Williams. "But, of course, we've got to keep him. But it's good to know that lots of people want him.

"He just keeps getting better and better, and really knows what he wants to do. He never indicates that he's lost with the car and most of his practice sessions are just a straight line upwards in terms of improvement."

Williams added that he is happy with Kazuki Nakajima's progress despite the Japanese having failed to score a point this season.

"Kazuki is in his second season and is still very young," said Williams. "He's better than people give him credit for because he's very brave and is frightened of nobody.

"He's still got some way to go, but he has not disappointed me."