News On F1 - Formula 1 News, Results, Information and Statistics

Formula 1 Store
F1 Tours, Tickets, Gear
F1 Books
& Biographies

Also Attractions & Concerts

Pizzonia or Heidfeld ? That's the question

Formula 1 Diecast
F1 Diecast
Main Page
Formula 1 News
2015 F1 Schedule
2015 F1 Line-up
2014 F1 Results
F1 Teams
F1 Drivers
NewsOnF1 Mobile
10 'n' Pole
Register - Submit
F1 Regulations
The Forums
Live F1 Coverage
Time & Weather
Motorsport Shop
UK - USA
Motorsport Calendar

F1 Merchandise UK
F1 Merchandise USA

F1 Tours
F1 Tickets
F1 Diecast
F1 Videos
F1 Games
F1 Trivia
NewsOnF1 on Twitter
MotoGP Tickets
Past Formula 1 Seasons
2014 F1 Results
2013 F1 Results
2012 F1 Results
2011 F1 Results
2010 F1 Results
2009 F1 Results
2008 F1 Results
2007 F1 Results
2006 F1 Results
2005 F1 Results
2004 F1 Results
2003 F1 Results

2002 F1 Results

2001 F1 Results

2000 F1 Results

1999 F1 Results

1998 F1 Results

1997 F1 Results
Links
2010 World Cup
Translate
Search
Contact Us
About
Archives
Your Say
Diagnosis & Prognosis
By the Heretic
Controversy Corner
The Real Race
By the Quali-flyer
F1 Testing
F1 Team Reports
10 'n' Pole till 2012
8 'n' Pole
2006 World Cup

Download the NewsOnF1.com
toolbar
powered by Alexa

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

If you wish to comments on  this article, please use the form in the Contact Us page

Back To Top
News Archive


Loading


Official 2009 F1 Season Review

Grand Prix Data Book
Every Record from 1950-2005

Autocourse 2009 Annual

F1 World Championship Yearbook 2006

Formula 1 Technical Analysis: 2005

The Great Encyclopedia of Formula 1: 2007 Edition

The Official Tribute To Ayrton Senna
1960 To 1994

Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

The Science of
F1 Design

F1 Racing Magazine

Autosport Magazine

Formula 1 Driver Biographies

Auto Magazines

Formula 1 Books

Race Driving Books

Race Car Design Books


Ayrton Senna

Past Formula 1 Drivers