Williams to use BMW engines in 2006

[Editor's Note: Would BMW let the Williams team test their new V8 for next year if they were not going to do a deal with Williams? Would they let Williams learn anything about it and possibly give inside info away to a competitor?] Williams continued testing at Jerez today with Antonio Pizzonia and Nick Heidfeld. The Brazilian drove an FW27B equipped with the BMW V8 engine while the German evaluated different new set-ups and components on the FW27A. Heidfeld completed a total of 74 laps, his best in 1'18"798. Pizzonia covered a total of 25 laps, his quickest in 1'21"812.

Sam Michael, Technical Director – "Today, Antonio continued testing the FW27B (V8) car carrying out systems checks for BMW. Nick started driving today to work through a planned program to understand the Mk2 bodywork after the problems we experienced at the French and British GP's. As such, he conducted various mechanical set-ups and aerodynamic testing in the FW27A. He worked on a different mechanical set-up all day. We also went through some aerodynamic checks on the car, such as barge board modifications and a different front wing.

"WilliamsF1 is a winning team and we are determined to overcome the current difficulties with the FW27 and return to competing at the front." BMW WilliamsF1 Team