Williams Kick Off Jerez Test

The Williams-BMW team kicked off today their second test of the off-season, working alone at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain.

Australian Mark Webber and Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia were the only two men in action at the Spanish circuit as the Grove-based squad continued with their preparations for the 2005 season. Webber was the quickest of the two with a best time of 1:19.036 after 84 laps.

Pizzonia, one of the favourites to land the second racing seat at Williams alongside Webber, finished very close to the Australian with a best time of 1:19.057 after covering 70 laps.

The Brazilian driver will be replaced by German Nick Heidfeld tomorrow, while both the German and Pizzonia will go head to head on Thursday in what could be a shoot-out for the second seat at Williams.

Heidfeld's test with Williams has been brought forward after BAR blocked plans for Anthony Davidson to drive their Formula One rivals' car.

BAR, Jordan, Red Bull, Sauber, Renault, and Toyota are scheduled to join the test tomorrow, while Ferrari and McLaren will start working at Jerez on Thursday.