Gene heads three-car testing attack for Williams

As expected (Autosport.com 14/11/00) Gene was announced as Williams' official tester and reserve driver on Monday - a position the Spaniard opted for over a race seat with the Minardi team. Winter testing duties however, will fall equally on Gene, Schumacher and Montoya as the Oxfordshire-based team prepares itself for next year by fielding a three-car attack at each test.

"We were looking for someone with experience in the midst of a big development programme for the new car and engine," said a Williams spokesman. "The decision was made because we want Marc to help accelerate that programme."

The move by Williams underlines the teams commitment to improve upon this year's third place in the constructors' standings and take big guns Ferrari and McLaren head on.

Gene, who has spent the last two seasons with Minardi, will be able to hit the ground running with development work when testing begins at Jerez on December 5, allowing Champ Car ace Montoya to re-adjust to Formula 1 without pressure. The Colombian has not driven an F1 machine since testing for Williams in 1998.