After the Formula 1 tests in December, Williams BMW have the means to decide who will be driving alongside Mark Webber in 2005. As we are all aware, Brazilian António Pizzonia and German Nick Heidfeld are the only 2 runners for the second Williams seat. However a decision isn't expected before the end of January.

At this stage, it looks as if the the Brazilian has a slight advantage, but Frank Williams' team showed some doubt when they gave a second test to the German.
Pizzonia has on his side the continuity that he represents, since that Webber is new to the team and in a season with new technical regulations, that can be a valuable asset. Besides, the Jungle Boy had some moments of glory when he drove Ralf Schumacher's car last season, notably at the Belgian Grand Prix - where he could have achieved his first podium if it wasn't for a gearbox problem - and at Monza - where he was the fastest Michelin man during the race but was delayed by Panis, shortly after the start.
It's clear that Pizzonia has the talent to succeed, but does he have the mental strength to be in a top team? His experience with Jaguar Racing in 2003 showed some faults in that area, something that was highlighted when his race ended in tears - literally - after Raikkonen smashed his McLaren into the back of the Brazilian's car.
Driving for a top team is much more psychologically demanding than in one that doesn't have the ambition to win, and that is where the question mark hangs over Pizzonia.

On the other hand, Heidfeld appears to have his mental strength as his greatest advantage. The German driver has never set the world on fire, but, since he arrived in Formula One, showed great consistency, something that is very appreciated at Williams. In 2004 he had some great races, putting at times the Jordan - a car far from the thing to have - at places where it shouldn't be. But the truth is that this year Heidfeld was in a "no loose situation". If he didn't get any results everybody would look to it as a natural thing because the car was such a dog. If he achieved any good result everybody would credit it to him.

One of those drivers will be Webber's partner in 2005 and Williams have to decide between raw speed (Pizzonia) and mental strength (Heidfeld), while the ideal situation would be to have both characteristics in the same driver. Both drivers are again testing this month. Frank Williams and Patrick Head will be hoping those tests will help them decide who will be the race driver and who will be the test driver.

By Jorge Girão

2005 Formula 1 Team and Driver Lineup

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