Williams: We Won't Catch Ferrari

Williams and McLaren have reacted to their troubled Spanish Grand Prix experiences by conceding that Ferrari are poised to win both titles again this year.

Both British teams were dominated again by Michael Schumacher, the record six-times World Champion, and his Ferrari teammate Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Williams's chief operations engineer Sam Michael said that no team can rely on the defending World Champions Ferrari making a mistake this season. After a disappointing performance from his outfit, he claimed it will take a massive improvement in performance for anyone to have a chance to stop them.

"I don't think they are going to trip up," he said. "And even if they trip up and make a mistake operationally at the track, it is going to take them out for one car for one race then they will be back up there again. The only way anyone is going to beat them is if someone brings a lot of performance to their car.

"Whether it is us, or BAR, or Renault, one of the teams will have to bring a lot of performance. Even if they didn't develop the car, from where it is now, I would be surprised if they got caught up. It is not a matter of no hope because you keep turning up and trying to make the car better. But you have got to be realistic."

Williams, runners-up last year in the Constructors' Championship, dropped to fourth in the standings when they claimed just three points, while Ferrari secured a maximum 18 from the race at Barcelona.