Williams reveals driver criteria

Williams will give Anthony Davidson and Nick Heidfeld a chance to compete for a place on the grid in 2005, when the team runs two three-day tests at Jerez in early December.

Although Davidson and Heidfeld are both getting three-day evaluations, regular Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia is also known to be under consideration to partner Webber in next year's line-up.

Williams found itself without a second driver after losing a claim to Jenson Button's services following a decision by the Contracts Recognition Board, which ruled last month that the British driver must stay at BAR in 2005.

But Williams is clear on what characteristics his second driver should have. "Ideally, we need someone with experience but also someone who is quick," Frank Williams told the team website. "We need someone intelligent, hard working and, above all, F1 skillful."

Williams is a huge admirer of Webber and has reiterated his belief in the Aussie's talent and potential.

"Mark is self-evidently a highly talented driver," Williams said. "From what I've seen thus far, he is also quick and calculated, a driver with great potential and talent we hope to be able to exploit. His tenacity, determination and motivation are also qualities we prize at Williams."

"As a team, we have traditionally prospered with drivers who have a down-to-earth, 'let's get on with it' attitude. Mark is certainly in that mould, and I am delighted he has agreed to join the team for 2005."