Williams Team Chiefs Defend Ralf Schumacher

Team chiefs of the Williams team made clear today that Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher would again start the season on equal terms, rebuffing criticism against Schumacher performance in the past.

Speaking to reporters during the 2003 launch in Barcelona, Spain, Frank Williams admitted that the team had failed to provide either drivers with a good enough car last year. He also defended the younger Schumacher from critics after a variable performance last season that peaked with his win in Malaysia in March.

"We didn't get what we wanted from Ralf because he couldn't get the best out of his car," Williams said. "It just wasn't quick enough. Ralf is a strong, reliable and extremely fast racing driver and he is able to deal with Juan very frequently.

"We have no doubts about his ability."

Patrick Head also detected a change in the German: "I think generally Ralf is in good shape," he said. "He's lost a bit of weight, he's cheerful and chatty and very much more positive than before.

"He's raring to go."