Ralf Will be Very Strong in 2002, Says Head

Williams technical director Patrick Head has stepped in to defend Ralf Schumacher after the German driver was outperformed by teammate Juan Pablo Montoya in the final races of the season.

Montoya, in his debut year with the Grove-based team, outqualified Schumacher in three of the last four races of the year, scoring two pole positions, one win and one second place at the Japanese Grand Prix, the final round of the Championship, where Schumacher finished sixth.

Head, however, believes the young German could have matched Montoya's pace at Suzuka had he not been penalised, and feels Schumacher will be strong in 2002.

"Ralf tends to start a season strongly, and providing we can give him a car that will be very strong next year, I am sure he can maintain that strength," Head told Autosport. "We are very pleased to have two strong drivers. It may look like Montoya is quicker at the moment, but Ralf was catching him just before the first pit-stop at Suzuka.

"In truth, had Ralf not got his penalty then the two cars would have finished quite closely together. I don't think we've got one quick driver and one slow driver."

Despite Montoya's dominance in the final part of the season, Schumacher has finished ahead of him in the Championship after scoring three victories.