Williams launch: Drivers set high aims

Williams drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher are confident that the team's new FW25 car is a clear step forward from its predecessor, but are reserving final judgement until the machine hits the track

Jan 31, 2003, 11:46 AM

Montoya and Schumacher finished third and fourth in the championship last year, but were soundly beaten by Ferrari.

"It looks really good," said Montoya. "Things sound promising, but there are always big question marks until we hit the tracks. I believe we have raised the game quite a lot, which was needed. The most important thing is getting the car balanced, but it looks pretty good so far."

Schumacher said: "There are always a lot of expectations with a new car, but we're going to have to wait and see over the next few days. There are a lot of things to work through, but we have high expectations."

The German was unable to test for much of January after injuring his back, but has confirmed that he has recovered. "The back is fine, but I felt like an old man for a while," he said.

The FW25 is due to have its first run at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya this afternoon.