Berger: Championship Not a Lost Cause

BMW motorsport director Gerhard Berger said today that the World Championship is not a lost cause yet and insisted Williams can still have a major say in the outcome of the 2003 season.

Williams, powered by BMW, scored their first win since the Malaysian Grand Prix last year and also ended a 20-year jinx in the Monaco race.

Berger, who has been critical of the performance of the Williams car this season, said Juan Pablo Montoya's victory will provide a boost and he refused to rule the team of the title race.

"This is a big boost for the team and has come at a good time," Berger said. "Williams is a very strong, experienced team, but this is good for morale and for the future. We can push harder now. Juan Pablo was very, very good.

"I think he has been very fast all year, very strong. There were no mistakes, none at all. He did a perfect job. Monaco is different, of course, but very special. It is a very special race for everyone and great to win.

"So this result is very good for the team and the future. It is a long year and there is a long way ahead and I think this team can do more. It is not all over yet by any means. We needed a boost and we got it. So its not a lost cause yet."

The victory moved Williams clear of Renault in third in the Constructors' Championship and they now lie 23 points adrift of leader McLaren and 21 behind second-placed Ferrari.