Berger: Williams to opt for testing

The decision comes as no surprise. When the F1 teams agreed to offer the option in the rules shake-up last month, it was predicted right away that the leading outfits would all choose to continue with their year-long testing schedules.

The other option would be for the teams to gain extra track time on Fridays of grands prix, and then be limited to just 10 days of testing away from events during the season.

"The top teams continue using all possibilities," said Berger. "Only the small, low-budget teams prefer the Friday tests - but they only take place if there are more than three teams to participate."

Berger added that BMW is well ahead of schedule for 2003 with its new P83 engine. "This year, we are two months earlier than this time last year. We have already tested the engine several times."

He is also confident that the new Williams chassis will be better than this year's FW24, allowing the team to give Ferrari a stronger run for its money.

"When it comes to the chassis, Williams is a lot more aggressive now," he said. "No improvements on the 2002 car, but a completely new approach."