Williams admits new car is struggling

Williams admitted that the new chassis has not produced sufficient gains in the aerodynamic department to challenge the reigning world champions, and that McLaren could jump ahead of them too.

"We are not too strong at the moment," Williams told AUTOSPORT. "In very simple terms, it is a much better car, it is smaller and lighter and, as the drivers say, it turns in much better, but it is presently behind on aero, and presently is a word with emphasis."

Williams also said that Ralf Schumacher's recent criticism of the car was justified as its development is behind schedule.

"We started a bit late and we proceeded with one development part which didn't work, so we went backwards and that was the risk we took," said Williams. "It was a little bit adventurous for us maybe."

When asked if he had written off his team's title chances, however, Williams replied: "Not yet, absolutely not yet, with the grids being jumbled up anything can happen. I think McLaren and Ferrari will be at the front most of the time, but you never know."