AT&T Williams F1

Your DNF on Sunday must have been so frustrating, what happened and has the team found a fix for the problem?

Alex: I had a fuel pressure problem. The problem became progressively worse during the course of the race and in the end the team called me in because it started to become too much of a problem to continue running in any sensible way. Of course it was frustrating, but I am sure that we will not have a repeat of it again this year.

Out of 28 starts, this was only the third mechanical retirement for the team this year, that’s a good step forward in terms of overall reliability isn’t it?

Alex: The team has made a very big step forward in many aspects, and we should be proud of that, but we would only be really happy if we won the Championship! In real terms, I think the team can do that again in the future, but that steep path to the front of the grid requires patience mixed with equal amounts of hard work.

The FW29 seems to have gained some performance over the past few races, is that the case?

Alex: It seems that we’ve closed the gap to Renault a bit, but it is very close between Renault, Red Bull, Toyota and us. To be fair, I would say that a good chunk of that is down to Nico’s on-track performance; he’s done a fantastic job in the last few races. He now has a total of 15 points, two more than me, so personally I hope to get those few points back on him and that together we secure fourth place in the Championship.”

Teams such as Renault and BMW Sauber have confirmed that they will not be bringing any further developments to their cars and are now concentrating on next year. Is that the case at ATT Williams?

Alex: No, we’ll be bringing some further improvements to the remaining rounds. To be honest, it is so close and there are such small lap time differences between the teams that I can not really paint a clear picture of who is going to go well at the last three tracks. The midfield battle is fantastic at the moment, there’s always something going on. But in your question you spoke about concentrating on next year. One can, and should only, stop working on this year’s car when the chequered flag drops in the last race. It’s very important to never stop thinking about how to make the current package quicker.

Your 13 points have helped moved the team to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Are you satisfied with your contribution?

Alex: It’s hard to talk in terms of satisfaction. 13 points is good and those points are important, but as I said in a previous answer, ultimately, if you compete in sport, you are never satisfied; even if you win there is always something you can do to make yourself better. Let’s just say that I am pleased with 13 points. That might be a more “appropriate” word to use!

You claimed the team’s only podium of the season, to date. Would you say you’ve exceeded any personal targets you may have had?

Alex: I was definitely very happy with my podium; it was a very good feeling to stand up there! As for the rest of this season, there have been some races that I’ve been very happy with and some not at all. But I must say it again, if your own expectations are in line with the level of competition in the highest class of motor racing, which is extremely high of course, then one is only satisfied by very few moments, and I mean very few moments – but it’s those moments that feel so good and make all the effort worth it. 

What are the team’s expectations for the remaining rounds?

Alex: To secure our current position in the Constructors’ Championship.

What’s been your favourite moment of the season so far?

Alex: When my son, Felix, congratulated me after the Nürburgring. When I came home, he said, ”Papa, wow, you drove really, really well!” For my son, only winning and beating the Ferraris is an achievement. I don’t know where he got that opinion, it must have come from my wife!

If you could rectify a mistake you’ve made at a race this year, what would it be?

Alex: Well, in my opinion, you can’t rectify a mistake; you just have to learn from them, as my granny used to say!

There’s been much speculation surrounding your position for next year, what’s the current situation?

Alex: Frank and I have an agreement that we won’t comment or even hint about what I will do after the 2007 season. We’re in dialogue, of course, but on a very confidential basis, so I would like to stick to this and not comment any further. In the end, the situation won’t be anything magic or complicated. My ex-team boss would say, “Let the world know when it’s appropriate.” I wouldn’t use his exact words, but I’ll talk when it’s time to do so.”