09/09/2007
NEWS STORY
The AT&T Williams team gained further advantage over its closest rivals in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza today as it collected three points, strengthening fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. Nico Rosberg equalled his highest placed finish of the season with sixth and collected points for the third consecutive race. Alex Wurz was left unable to capitalise on an aggressive strategy when he lost time handing back a position gained in the chicane on the first lap. As a result, Alex ended the race where he started, in 13th.
Nico Rosberg: It was a good weekend for us. We showed a competitive pace and we've been happy with our performance all weekend. The team's made good progress following the test here last week, and the hard work paid off with a really a big step forward. Well done to Toyota as Monza's an engine track and we held our own. It's also great to get more points for both the Championships.
Alex Wurz: It was a difficult first stint for me. We went with a very aggressive strategy but having a heavy fuel load had a negative effect on my rears and I just couldn't get the speed I needed. It all comes down to my qualifying position. Making a mistake on Saturday means you're chasing it during the race, but I like the challenge.
Sam Michael, Technical Director: It was a good effort by Nico. Unfortunately, he had to hand back eighth to Button on the first lap because he gained the position by going through the chicane. That made it difficult for him because he was then stuck behind Jenson for the majority of the first stint. Once he had overtaken him, he pushed hard and was able to make up enough distance to eventually get the position that we had originally targeted. Alex was looking ok, but unfortunately had the same problem as Nico with regard to the chicane. Handing back the position ultimately cost him a couple of places at the end of the race. The car was reliable and solid today and it was good to score another three points in the Constructors'.
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