Let's get some finishes, says Williams
After a Williams car topped the times on all three days of Formula 1 testing at Magny-Cours last week, the team's pace is not in doubt. But after a double non-finish in Monaco, the BMW-powered team has its sights firmly set on reliability - and finishes - for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix
From a potential 14 finishes this season, drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya have reached the chequered flag only three times.
Mechanical problems have not always been to blame and driver error has played its part, as Montoya demonstrated by hitting the barriers in Monte Carlo. But BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen believes the team needs to focus on finishing the race in Montreal.
"In the last few weeks we have been working not only on car and engine performance," said Theissen, "but also on reliability. Happily the characteristics for the Canadian track are favourable for our team.
"After two accidents that were not our fault, four driver mistakes and five technical failures, we hope we can improve our disappointing record of three race finishes out of 14."
Despite such a poor finishing record, the Williams duo have made it count when they have crossed the line, notching up a win, a second and a fifth place, and putting the Grove-based team third in the Constructors' championship.
Montoya has never raced at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve before and the 1998 CART champion is looking forward to crossing the Atlantic, but is keen to put his poor finishing form behind him.
"Top priority for me," said Montoya, "is seeing the chequered flag, which I failed to do too many times so far."
Whether the Williams machines make it to the finish or not, Montoya's team mate Schumacher Jr believes the FW22 should be competitive at the Montreal island circuit with the power offered by its BMW V10.
"I think the circuit could be pretty favourable to our car," said Schumacher, "as we have a powerful engine, which is essential there. It's not particularly demanding on the drivers, as it is basically a stop-and-go track."
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