Aerodynamic Progress Helps Williams Move Forward

The Williams team thanked their aerodynamics department for helping them get back to form in today's qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix.

The Grove-based squad had endured a disappointing start to their 2003 season but have worked hard to correct some aerodynamic problems with their BMW-powered FW25. The team's technical director Patrick Head missed the Malaysian Grand Prix in order to concentrate on solving the problems.

Head is again absent in San Marino this weekend, and a team member confirmed to Atlas F1 that the Briton is again working at the factory to try to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

Their hard work was rewarded today with a strong second place for Ralf Schumacher and a fourth position for teammate Juan Pablo Montoya. It's the first time this year that a Williams driver will start from the front row of the grid.

"The car has improved a lot and credit should be given to the aero department and the factory for making this possible," said Williams's chief operations engineer Sam Michael. "It is a shame to have just missed the pole position. However, we are pleased with the positions we have achieved in the final qualifying.

"It was a good job from Ralf. After the accident that he had this morning he had to take the spare car, which did not have all the latest parts. It was also a good effort by Juan, and we are really looking forward to tomorrow's race now."