01/11/2009
NEWS STORY
The AT&T Williams team started today's race defending a narrow 2.5 points margin to retain sixth place in the championship. With both BMW drivers ahead of Nico Rosberg & Kazuki Nakajima on the grid, it was a considerable challenge. In the event, Nico managed to overhaul Robert Kubica, but frustratingly it was not enough to prevent the team dropping by a point and a half to 7th in the end of season constructor's championship, but Nico Rosberg held his position in the driver's table. The team wishes to thank its drivers, Toyota and everyone at Williams F1 for their endeavour this season.
Nico Rosberg: It wasn't a terribly exciting race for me today as I just didn't have the pace to do any better. I would have liked to help the team hold on to 6th place in the constructors' championship. From a personal perspective, my 7th place in the driver's table wasn't challenged and I think this was a good result this year in the circumstances. It's been a long season and I would really like to thank all the team for their effort during the last four years. We have had a great time together.
Kazuki Nakajima: It wasn't easy running on a one-stop today and I didn't feel that the first stint went well. The middle of the race was more affected by traffic, but there was nothing to do except keep plugging away for 55 laps, but it was a good battle and I enjoyed myself.
Rod Nelson, Chief Operations Engineer: It was naturally disappointing not to be able to retain our championship position today, but well done to BMW and we will miss them next year. Both drivers competed well today, but the car wasn't quick enough and a few incidents in the race compounded the situation. Losing time behind Trulli meant the one-stopping Kobayashi could get ahead of Nico, which made it very difficult to maintain our points margin