Drivers Decision a Close Call, Says Michael

Williams technical director Sam Michael says the decision between Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia was very close.

"Massively close call because both of them were great," said Michael at the launch of the new Williams in Valencia, Spain.

Williams tested both Pizzonia and Heidfeld for several weeks before they announced today the German will be racing alongside Australian Mark Webber in 2005. Brazilian Pizzonia, meanwhile, will stay in the team as a test and reserve driver.

"Both drivers conducted six weeks of tests for the team," said BMW boss Mario Theissen, whose company asked Williams to test Heidfeld when Pizzonia seemed like the favourite.

"It was not just a shoot-out. They both worked so well with the team and it was a lot closer than it looks."

Webber, who was involved in a war of words with Pizzonia in the past, said he was pleased to have Heidfeld as teammate.

"It's been a fairly heavy fight for the seat and I'm happy to be Nick's teammate," said Webber. "I haven't had any podiums like Nick has and I'm looking forward together with him to push the team forward."