Berger Sees Williams Looking Better in Austria

Constructors' Championship leaders Ferrari would have the edge at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend but second-placed Williams stand a chance of getting closer to their rivals, BMW motorsport head Gerhard Berger said on Monday.

Berger said the flat-out nature of Austria's A1 Ring could present Williams, which have BMW-supplied engines, with a chance to put pressure on Ferrari after Michael Schumacher cruised to his fourth victory in five races at Barcelona last month.

"I think we will look better at the Austrian Grand Prix and I think we should be able to get closer to Ferrari," the Austrian told reporters in Vienna. "Realistically, you have to admit that Ferrari has currently got the advantage and they are very hard to beat.

"But, if we get close enough to put pressure on them then mistakes are bound to happen and if that is the case then there is a chance for us."

Berger said Williams needed a victory to keep pace with Ferrari in the Championship. Ferrari have 50 points, all but six scored by Schumacher, while Williams have 43 and McLaren 13.

"We just have to keep up with Ferrari and in order to do that we need a victory," he said. "If not Ferrari will pull further ahead."

Berger, a former Ferrari driver, said while Williams' position in the constructors' standings looked secure at the moment, the team would not be resting on its laurels.

"We should not underestimate McLaren-Mercedes which at the moment is at a bit of a low point but which I am sure will come back," he said. "Renault is always getting stronger too and therefore it is not completely cut and dried."