13/06/2004
NEWS STORY
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, WilliamsF1 technical director Sam Michael has admitted that Australian Mark Webber is at the top of the Grove outfit's shopping list as it searches for one - but most likely two - drivers for 2005, as Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher head to McLaren and Toyota respectively.
Asked whether his team viewed Webber as its prime candidate, Michael simply replied, "yes".
"He has the right mentality," he continued, "he's got an aggressive attitude in a positive sense. He also seems like a good team player. He's been successful and very fast and talented in every car that he's ever driven from Sportscars to Formula Ford to Formula One.
"The majority of the time, with the exception of today, he's definitely out-performing his team mate," added the Australian, referring to Webber's poor qualifying performance in Montreal, "so it looks like a positive step."
In reality, for some time we've heard that a provisional deal was signed way back in March. However Webber is under contract with Jaguar for another year. That said, there is a clause in his contract - courtesy of manager Flavio Briatore - that should Jaguar not reach a certain level of performance by mid-season, which it clearly hasn't, he has the right to walk out at the end of 2004.
Assuming that Webber does have one of the WilliamsF1 seats 'covered', the big question is who would sit alongside him.
Team boss Frank Williams has said that he is looking for a proven winner, which in tandem with other comments coming out of Grove, indicates either Jacques Villeneuve or possibly David Coulthard. Williams has told the Canadian media that the former World Champion may test for his team in August or September, but this could all be a red herring.
Several other drivers have been linked with the second seat, including Giancarlo Fisichella and Nick Heidfeld, though BMW has stressed that it is not demanding that the team employs a German driver.
Both Williams and Patrick Head, have also admitted to being impressed with BAR tester Anthony Davidson.
All will become clear soon enough.