20/08/2004
NEWS STORY
Although it was widely predicted that Antonio Pizzonia would replace Ralf Schumacher in Belgium, Williams has opted to delay its decision, preferring to stick to a race-by-race basis.
Today, the Grove outfit confirmed that Brazilian, who has scored points in both events in which he has replaced the German, will drive the FW26 at Spa next weekend.
"Ralf has not been cleared to drive yet, so Antonio will once again be driving for us at Spa," said technical director, Sam Michael.
"I have good memories of Spa," said the Brazilian, "where I've raced four times in different formulae, including Formula Renault, F3 and F3000.
"The best was definitely in 2000, when I became British F3 Champion, having finished the race in second place. I spent the week after the Hungarian Grand Prix at home in Monaco, training hard in preparation for this race.
"Spa is a very special place," he continued, "so I can't wait to drive a Formula One car around it."
However, like the man he replaces, Antonio is not as impressed with Eau Rouge as many of his rivals, who regard it as one of F1's great corners: "I don't think Eau Rouge is as challenging as it used to be," he admitted, "because Formula One cars have so changed much. We have such a huge amount of downforce now, and the tyres have improved so much, I think everyone pretty much goes flat out around it."