Autosport International
Webber: Schu will be beaten
Williams ace Mark Webber has closed the Autosport International show with a rallying call to Formula 1 fans by promising that Michael Schumacher will not be allowed to run away with the world championship again this season
Although it is clear that Ferrari is heading into the 2005 campaign as favourite to grab yet more titles, Webber is adamant that Schumacher will face a much stronger challenge from his rivals this year and that, at times, will definitely suffer defeat.
"I believe we can beat Michael, but how often is the tricky question," said Webber, speaking on the Autosport Central stage. "Ferrari is incredibly consistent and incredibly reliable - its reliability is ridiculous. It's actually hard to get your head around.
"I hope we can give them a few sleepless nights - because Michael needs a few. Everyone is beatable and they have gone to a level that is incredible - but I hope we can put them under some pressure because they didn't get much last year."
Although the 2005 Williams will not be unveiled until January 31, Webber believes from what he has been told about the car that the outfit will enjoy a major step forward over its 2004 form.
"Hopefully we will have some good races at the start of the year, but we will be under a lot of pressure," he said. "We have set some aggressive targets to get the car lighter, meaner and faster, which you need to do to beat Ferrari
"I am confident that we are going in the right direction - and teams like BAR are also doing the same. It will be tight at the first grand prix."
Webber was put on the spot by the audience on the Autosport Central Stage who asked the Australian star about the identify of his team-mate - and who he would prefer to have.
"I know who my team-mate is going to be..." said Webber, before quickly correcting himself. "That is a bit of a life. I have got a general idea of which way it is going to go, but it is up to the team. They haven't made the decision yet and whatever happens in the other garage I cannot control."
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