BMW Williams F1 Team: Quotes from first laps of FW26 launch

The FW26 Pokes Its Nose Out


The BMW WilliamsF1 Team launches its 2004 race car


Valencia, 5th January 2004. In the bright Spanish sunshine and average
temperatures of 15° C, Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher completed the
maiden laps of the teamıs new challenger for the 2004 Formula One World
Championship, the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26. The radical new design of the FW26,
especially the snub nose and front wing geometry, attracted widespread
commentary.

Juan Pablo Montoya left the garage at 14:40hrs and recorded 14 laps
altogether on the 4.005 km circuit, before handing over the car to
team-mate, Ralf Schumacher. The German started driving at 16:34hrs and
completed a total of 3 laps.

Juan Pablo Montoya:
"My first impression of the FW26 is very good. The car doesnıt feel a lot
different from last yearıs, which is a very god start and I think we have an
excellent potential car. I felt comfortable straight away and could push the
car from the outset, so thanks us due to the team for having built a very
promising car.

In spite of the restrictions imposed by the new rules, which give you less
drag and make the car more difficult under braking, everything feels just
right. The dusty track conditions were not 100% ideal today and we only
completed six hard laps, so I donıt want to sound too optimistic, but there
isnıt a single area that doesnıt work. I am very, very pleased, I think this
car has got a good future."

Ralf Schumacher:
"It is always positive if the first day runs according to plan and I can say
that the car feels good, perhaps similar to the FW25. I really have high
expectations of the radical approach taken to this new car.

Of course the roll out on launch day does not tell us much about the true
performance of a new car and I only completed three laps. Basically it is
all about installation laps and system checks, so it is far too early to
make serious comments about the FW26."

The team will be now continuing its testing programme from 7th to 13th
January in Jerez (Marc Gené all days except 10, Juan Pablo 7-10, Ralf
Schumacher 10-13).

Photographs are available for download at www.press.bmw.com.