Head Praises Ralf's Performance

Williams-BMW director of engineering Patrick Head hailed Ralf Schumacher's second place finish in the Japanese Grand Prix as the team scored their first podium since the San Marino Grand Prix in April.

Schumacher came home behind brother Michael for his first podium of the year and Williams' first since Juan Pablo Montoya finished third at Imola in the fourth Grand Prix of the season.

The result marked a return to form for Schumacher, who was competing for only the second time since overcoming a fractured back suffered in a high-speed crash in the United States Grand Prix in June.

"I'm certainly pleased to be on the podium and it's two cars in the points and we've pulled further ahead of McLaren," said Head after Montoya had also finished in seventh. Williams now have a 13-point lead over McLaren in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.

"It was a fantastic drive from Ralf and he did just what he needed to do at the right time. He is a very fast driver and he is very good and deserves to get results. It is fantastic to see."

Schumacher will leave Williams at the end of the season after six years with the team, having agreed terms to join Toyota.

Head said members of the Williams team were keen to see the German stay and he said: "Everybody in the team says what a pleasure he is to work with and why have Frank and I not signed him up for next year."