Williams FW23 launch: Head warning for drivers

Speaking at the launch of the new Williams-BMW FW23, Head said he didn't want to see Ralf Schumacher or Juan Pablo Montoya go over the top in their battle for inter-team supremacy.

"No doubt there will be friction, but that's all part of racing," said Head. "I'm sure they'll sort their stuff out on the track. I just hope we don't get what Prost had last year when team mates kept colliding. That would be a real problem for us."

Head also gave an insight on how his charges have different approaches in the build up to the 2001 season.

"Ralf knows how to play the tunes of the team," he said. "Montoya is still learning his way around, but he's enjoying his latest situation. In CART you tend to buy a car and although it's modified during the year, it's not like Formula 1 where 60 per cent of the car gets changed during the year and the aerodynamics are constantly changing. Montoya seems to enjoy being part of something that has power over its own destiny."

Stories of a rift between Montoya and Schumacher have been denied by both the team and the drivers, although Ralf says the two can never be both team mates and real friends.

"We have a normal relationship as team mates," said Schumacher. "But you can't expect us to have a friendship. Last year I got on well with Jenson Button at the circuits, but when I was away from the car and the track I spend my time with family and friends, which seems quite obvious to me."

The younger brother of the reigning World Champion believes his can give Ferrari and McLaren a closer fight, as Williams bids to regain its status as the top team in Formula 1 - a mantle it hasn't held since 1997.

"I hope and think it will be possible to be closer," Schumacher added. "But for definite I can't tell you, because there are so many question marks. You can be sure that Ferrari and McLaren were not sleeping over the winter. Our first target is to stay where we are and, with a bit of luck, win a race. We're one year ahead of our plans anyway."

His Colombian team mate is also buoyant about his chances to feature on the podium this season. Although this will be his rookie season in F1, Montoya thinks a victory is not beyond the bounds of reason.

"I think my experience in CART will help me," said Montoya. "We have long races with pit stops and strategies, so I feel quite well prepared. I'll be trying 100 per cent. I'm not just there to drive around for 62 laps and not get a result. I'm here to win."