28 July: The Williams BMW
Formula 1 team have confirmed the signing of Mark Webber as their
driver from 2005. The Australian was widely tipped to be joining Williams in
2005 after his current team Jaguar failed to provide him with a competitive
car. Williams BMW Team Principal Frank Williams said "Mark is
self-evidently a highly talented driver, but his tenacity, determination and
motivation are also qualities we prize at WilliamsF1. As a team, we have
traditionally prospered with drivers who have a down-to-earth, "let’s
get on with it’ attitude". Mark is certainly in that mould, and I am
delighted he has agreed to join the team for 2005." Williams BMW Technical Director Sam Michael said "Mark is the
kind of character who will give a whole new impetus to everyone employed at
WilliamsF1 and at BMW. He is a driven person with one goal. Mark displays to
me all of the characteristics on and off the track of a champion in the
making, and I believe he will be a significant catalyst in improving our
future results." BMW Motorsport Director Mario Thiessen said "BMW is delighted
that Mark is joining the team. He is clearly a focused driver and wants to
win like we all do. He shows a great attitude towards his work and we are
convinced that he will be a real fortification to the team’s efforts. We
have been fully involved and consulted in the process of recruiting Mark,
and completely support his selection." Mark Webber said "The deal I have agreed with Williams today
really is the most significant milestone in my career to date, and I have
great expectations of what we can achieve together. Of course I am focused
on my job with Jaguar Racing for the remainder of this season, but I cannot
wait to take up my position with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team for next year.
Besides having an amazing history of success, the team has a reputation for
a no-nonsense and straightforward approach to racing, which suits me just
fine."
Jaguar's Managing Director David Pitchforth thanked
Mark for his contribution to the Jaguar team and said "We have all
enjoyed working with Mark over the past two years and the relationship that
has developed between him and the team has been one of trust and mutual
respect. We have all learned an incredible amount over these two seasons as
Mark has grown as a driver while our racing package has developed to
challenge for points. Mark has now reached a stage where he needs to
continue this progress and pursue race wins. We understand his decision and
respect it. I would like to thank him on behalf of Jaguar Racing, Cosworth
Racing and Pi Research for his unwavering commitment to the team and we will
monitor his progress to the top with great pleasure. When Mark wins his
World Championship we will all be celebrating with the rest of them, proud
to have helped him on his way. Mark will race with us until the end of this
season, ensuring that we all continue to focus on fighting for more
Championship points which we know we can achieve with our drivers and the
Jaguar R5."
Giancarlo Fisichella will move from the Sauber
Formula 1 team to the Renault Formula 1 team in 2005, a move that was widely
speculated since Jarno Trulli announced his departure from the Renault team
at the end of the season. Renault Managing Director Flavio Briatore said "We are delighted
to welcome Giancarlo to the Renault team. Since we last worked with him in
2001, every aspect of his approach to the sport has matured. I am confident
that Fernando and Giancarlo are the drivers we need to achieve our goal of
winning the world championship in the coming seasons."
Flavio Briatore thanked Jarno Trulli for his contribution to the team and
said "Jarno’s dedication and enthusiasm have been great assets and he
has made an important contribution to the development of the team, and the
image of the Renault Group. He is assured a successful future in Formula 1,
and I wish him all the best for the future on behalf of the entire
team." Renault F1 Team's President Patrick Faure explained the reason behind
signing Fisichella and said " We have already said that we want to be
fighting for the championship in 2005 and 2006. In this light, we have taken
the decision to recruit Giancarlo Fisichella. Partly, this is because change
can help a team: it will help keep us sharp and aggressive, and avoid
falling into comfortable routines.
He has regularly surprised us with the quality of his performances, and his
recent drives in particular have been very impressive. Furthermore, his
approach to the sport has matured and he has made real progress since we
last worked with him. Giancarlo will provide us with a very competitive
blend of aggression, consistency and hard work."
Sauber's Team Boss Peter Sauber regretted
Fisichella's departure but understood his decision and said "Of course
I regret that Giancarlo will leave us at the end of the season. He's not
only a first-class racer but a very pleasant person as well. Nevertheless, I
understand his decision. Giancarlo put his cards on the table right in the
beginning, telling me that he wanted to use Sauber as a springboard for his
career, and now he has managed to do this. After Heinz-Harald Frentzen
(Williams) and Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren Mercedes), he is the third driver
we're helping to take the leap into one of the top teams. This fact speaks
for the quality of SAUBER PETRONAS. Obviously, we have an environment in
which drivers can develop their capabilities to optimum levels. Today,
SAUBER PETRONAS are a highly attractive team, that's why we're not under any
time pressure to sign a successor."
