WILLIAMS-COSWORTH

RR: I don't think anyone at Williams will regard 2005 as a success. No race wins for the first time since 2000, and the loss of BMW and Nick Heidfeld. Still 2006 promises much for Williams.

NDR: Yes, they could have come off with a surprise coup they probably wouldn't even have realised in getting the Cosworth engines. But the mistake could be in having to now give it up for Toyota power plants next season. Heidfeld really showed up Webber last year, made him look quite average, especially considering the image Nick was beginning to accumulate as a good runner but strongly midfield. His stock grew the year before in the Jordan, but nobody could tell how much by. And Webber was 'supposed' to be a clear team leader in the mould of none other Michael Schumacher. Apparently, the two Australians Webber and Sam Michael clashed a few times during the season, which is surprising given that before the partnership everyone expected there to be some kind of bond given nationality. That couldn't have helped much. And one thing I will add about Webber, is launch control problems or starting for that matter. At Jaguar, the team were always having problems and it was put down to the car and the system. Williams no such problem. Webber joins Williams, a little way into the season when he has had more influence, the team experienced some problems. Just wondered what you thought of the coincidence I picked up on last year?

RR: Well with Heidfeld the system seemed to be no slouch certainly at the Nurburgring, but I did notice Webber having a few difficulties. You do really sense that Webber needs to prove himself this year. Towards the end of 2005 he was pumping in the performances we were expecting of him, and was awesome at Suzuka. The banter between him and the team was said to be 'healthy' and allowed the various team members to understand where everyone stood, and how they regarded the situation. The loss of BMW won't hurt them too much, as Cosworth are experts when it comes to V8 engines, and I'm sure they have done a great job, they certainly look handy in testing. The loss of BMW might hurt in spending power i would think, and perhaps attraction of sponsors, although that doesn't seem to be an issue really.

NDR: BMW also took control of transmission too, so that could have hurt. But that brings me to another point. I am super impressed Williams will be the first to bring out the 'Seamless shift gearbox.' It could make a huge difference or tenths or two on the course of a lap.

RR: Yeah, the 'seamless shift' gearbox is a brilliant bit of engineering, and it will undoubtedly give that little extra in terms of speed and acceleration.

NDR: Especially at circuits like Monaco I would think - provided reliability, and fast tracks like Monza where it is hard to make up large amounts of time.

RR: Yeah, and considering the power deficiencies of V8 engines, the gear box could well be a significant advantage come Monza. What do you make of Nico Rosberg? Is he one for the future? He was certainly impressive in GP2.

NDR: Rosberg was very impressive. I was mostly impressed with Piquet Junior, but now my opinion has changed greatly over the course of last seasons GP2. He will likely be among the best technical drivers in F1-he was offered a degree in aeronautical engineering at London's Imperial College, but decided to continue his racing career. When he was just 17 I think, testing the Williams for the first time, he had to take a test on car behaviour etc so the engineers can see how good a driver is and will be at giving feedback. It is given mandatory to all the drivers at the team. This guy got the highest score of all the drivers  - Montoya, Ralf Schumacher included. The team were well impressed. He also won the GP2 series as I am sure you are aware, and he wasn't really in contention from the beginning like his rival was, so he came back particularly strong.

RR: Yeah, I have been particularly impressed with his progress, and considering he is only 20, he's done an awful lot. The Rosberg name will help him a lot, and some say he was destined to follow his father into Williams.

NDR: Well, his father is Finnish. Nico is actually German, and he also looks and speaks in my opinion, similar to fellow German Ralf Schumacher.

RR: Well I'm not going to challenge you on your opinion! But what I will say is that Williams can spring a surprise in 2006

NDR: my feeling going into Bahrain, and he will upset Webber. I am less impressed by Mark after last year, which is not to say that he isn't a great driver, and indeed he should never be written off, but I think certain drivers have it, and Rosberg appears to me at this early stage to have plenty of 'Juice' if you understand that. If Rosberg is good, He’ll be very good!

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