Post by F1 Junkie on Aug 3, 2006 19:36:28 GMT -5
Pretty Shocking eh. Well good for Wurtz and good for Rosberg...
Williams sign Wurz and Rosberg for '07.
28.07.2006 Hockenheim, Germany, Alexander Wurz (AUT), Test Driver, Williams F1 Team, FW28 Cosworth - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, German Grand Prix, Friday Practice
30.06.2006 Indianapolis, USA, Sir Frank Williams (GBR), WilliamsF1 Team, Team Chief, Managing Director, Team Principal - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 10, United States Grand Prix, Friday Press Conference
28.07.2006 Hockenheim, Germany, Mark Webber (AUS), Williams F1 Team, FW28 Cosworth - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, German Grand Prix, Friday Practice
WilliamsF1 has confirmed that it has concluded its driver line-up for the 2007 season and has promoted third driver, Alexander Wurz to partner Nico Rosberg – something that means Mark Webber will be off to pastures new.
Speaking following the contract confirmations, Williams team boss, Sir Frank Williams was quick to defend the decision to opt for Wurz, despite the fact he hasn't raced full-time since 2000, when he was with Benetton.
"2006 has been a pretty tough season so far and all three of our drivers have proved to be enormously resilient and committed. However, we are seeing the beginnings of a performance upswing which we are determined to maintain," he commented. "Together with our recent announcement regarding our Toyota engine partnership, we are starting to put in place some of the cornerstones of a competitive team for the rest of this season and into the future.
"Alex brings us important technical continuity and understanding of the car and as well as being an excellent communicator with our engineers, he is ultra competitive during the Friday 'full tank' practice sessions. Alex will be a great racing driver for us as he is one of the few men I have seen in a wheel banging confrontation with Michael Schumacher and come out on top!
"Retaining Nico for next year was not a tough decision. He has shown great promise so far in his debut season and I know he will build on this with every race."
Williams meanwhile wished Webber well for the future and although there is no word on where he will end up in 2007, Renault must be the best bet, as the Aussie is managed by Renault team boss, Flavio Briatore and the regie have yet to make public who will partner Giancarlo Fisichella and replace the McLaren-Mercedes bound Fernando Alonso.
"As much as taking great pleasure in confirming Alex and Nico for next season, I must also commend Mark Webber for his contribution to the team over the past two seasons as he has been a credit to himself and Williams and has never let up in his pursuit of competitive success," added Sir Frank. "I know Mark will give his all until the end of the season and we wish him well in his future arrangements."
Williams sign Wurz and Rosberg for '07.
28.07.2006 Hockenheim, Germany, Alexander Wurz (AUT), Test Driver, Williams F1 Team, FW28 Cosworth - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, German Grand Prix, Friday Practice
30.06.2006 Indianapolis, USA, Sir Frank Williams (GBR), WilliamsF1 Team, Team Chief, Managing Director, Team Principal - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 10, United States Grand Prix, Friday Press Conference
28.07.2006 Hockenheim, Germany, Mark Webber (AUS), Williams F1 Team, FW28 Cosworth - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, German Grand Prix, Friday Practice
WilliamsF1 has confirmed that it has concluded its driver line-up for the 2007 season and has promoted third driver, Alexander Wurz to partner Nico Rosberg – something that means Mark Webber will be off to pastures new.
Speaking following the contract confirmations, Williams team boss, Sir Frank Williams was quick to defend the decision to opt for Wurz, despite the fact he hasn't raced full-time since 2000, when he was with Benetton.
"2006 has been a pretty tough season so far and all three of our drivers have proved to be enormously resilient and committed. However, we are seeing the beginnings of a performance upswing which we are determined to maintain," he commented. "Together with our recent announcement regarding our Toyota engine partnership, we are starting to put in place some of the cornerstones of a competitive team for the rest of this season and into the future.
"Alex brings us important technical continuity and understanding of the car and as well as being an excellent communicator with our engineers, he is ultra competitive during the Friday 'full tank' practice sessions. Alex will be a great racing driver for us as he is one of the few men I have seen in a wheel banging confrontation with Michael Schumacher and come out on top!
"Retaining Nico for next year was not a tough decision. He has shown great promise so far in his debut season and I know he will build on this with every race."
Williams meanwhile wished Webber well for the future and although there is no word on where he will end up in 2007, Renault must be the best bet, as the Aussie is managed by Renault team boss, Flavio Briatore and the regie have yet to make public who will partner Giancarlo Fisichella and replace the McLaren-Mercedes bound Fernando Alonso.
"As much as taking great pleasure in confirming Alex and Nico for next season, I must also commend Mark Webber for his contribution to the team over the past two seasons as he has been a credit to himself and Williams and has never let up in his pursuit of competitive success," added Sir Frank. "I know Mark will give his all until the end of the season and we wish him well in his future arrangements."