Williams Won't Let Pizzonia Go to America

Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia has been told that he can all but forget making the switch to Champ Car racing this season, with his current team bosses saying they can't afford to let him go.

The Brazilian was left hugely disappointed when Williams opted to sign Nick Heidfeld as Mark Webber's teammate this year, and has made no secret of the fact that he is considering a move to the United States as a way to carry on racing.

But team boss Frank Williams has made it clear that he will not release Pizzonia from his contractual commitments with the team ­ especially because, if Heidfeld fails to impress, he wants the option to bring Pizzonia back into the race team.

"We want him to stay on board. Nick may let us down, and we may then want to put Antonio in," he said. "If he was offered another race chance in Formula One then there's no way we would hold him back, but with Champ Cars we will not look at it favourably because we need him as a test driver."

Pizzonia hinted last week that he could be testing Champ Car within a matter of days, but those hopes look certain to have been dashed with Williams drafting him in to their final pre-season test, as well as having him on promotional duties at the season opening Australian Grand Prix.

And although Williams admitted that the decision to sign Heidfeld had "broken Pizzonia's heart", Williams was adamant that Pizzonia would likely get another chance at racing in F1.

"It could well happen," said Williams. "He is very good."