07/10/2005
NEWS STORY
Frank Williams has said that his 2006 line-up will be revealed in the not too distant future.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Williams claimed that the line-up, which will include Mark Webber, will be "very competitive" and exciting.
"Mark Webber will be the team's first confirmed driver for next year," he revealed. "Antonio Pizzonia and Nico Rosberg are the other two drivers with whom the team has retained contractual relationship. We will confirm our full driver line-up in the not-too-distant future."
The team has undergone some massive changes, what with the split with BMW - which has gone on to form its own team - the loss of sponsor HP, and the failure to secure the services of Jenson Button.
"Much is changing at Williams," he admitted, "but it will be a much-needed catalyst to return the team to winning form. As I see it, the most significant change is something that all teams will have to face and that is the change to V8 technology, the most fundamental change to the technical side of the sport in 16 years.
"I believe that Cosworth, our engine suppliers for next season, are possibly the best placed company as acknowledged global experts in V8 technology, to take best advantage of this change," he continued. "So after 27 years of Williams adapting to change and competitive challenges, I am actually very optimistic about next year."
With regards Button, he said: "I hold Jenson's ability in high regard and had hoped he would race for us but I regard the outcome pragmatically. Ultimately, a financial settlement was a poor second choice, but the only practical resolution to the situation.
"Despite holding a binding contract, we could not enforce the specific performance of making Jenson race for us," he admitted. "In any case, I am only interested in drivers that are 100% committed to driving for Williams."