It may have taken all season, but the BMW WilliamsF1 team were winners in 2004 with their first and only win coming at the season finale at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil last weekend. Juan Pablo Montoya gave the team the parting gift in his final race for the Grove based outfit before making his way a little further down pitlane to the Mercedes powered McLaren pit.
Team Principal, Frank Williams has since reflected on the season finale, a ‘great end to a tough season’, putting his point of view across on the team’s official website. Williams also thanks the team, says farewell to his two drivers, Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher, and looks ahead to the new season.
“Juan Pablo’s win in Brazil, the last race of the 2004 season, was a great way to end a tough year for the team and the perfect reward for everyone at the Grove and Munich factories’ continued commitment and hard work. The victory is also the best way to thank all of our sponsors and partners, in particular BMW, for their unwavering support.
The race itself was a fight amongst champions and Juan’s flawless performance truly proved his talent as a natural born racer. I am truly sorry that he is leaving the BMW WilliamsF1 Team to go elsewhere, but I'm very happy for him, and for us, that he won so well. His success was a fitting way to end his stay with us.
The Brazilian Grand Prix was also Ralf’s last race for us before he heads for his new team. Ralf has returned to form following his 14 week break from the cockpit after his accident in the US Grand Prix and has put in some great races since. His solid fifth position in Brazil helped secure the team’s fourth place in the Constructor’s Championship and we wish him well with his future career.
Although the 2004 season has now come to a conclusion, preparations for next year are well underway. Development of the new car is progressing and will continue relentlessly throughout the winter months. The victory at the last race of the season will give us great impetus for that development and as we head into a new Championship. In the meantime, we will be welcoming Mark Webber to the team at the first of our winter tests at Barcelona on 23rd November. We still have a seat to fill following the Contract Recognitions Board’s decision regarding Jenson Button: an announcement confirming who that will be will come in the ensuing weeks.
Meanwhile, thank you to all the BMW WilliamsF1 Team fans across the world who have supported our efforts this year. With an all new line up for 2005, let’s look forward to a new start, some thrilling racing and more victories!”
;)
