Can Williams win the 2003 championship(s)?

Kalina

The 2003 constructors and drivers championships are between Ferrari, Williams and McLaren at this stage of the season, which is a nice change from this time last year when Michael had the drivers championship wrapped up.
There is a huge chance that Williams will win the constructors this year and, I believe they have a solid chance of winning the drivers championship with either of their drivers. They are in the best position to win, what with the new-found winning streak and confidence within the team, the solid backing of BMW ( and a new long-term contract) and Michelin's very good performances. McLaren face two problems, when will the MP4-18 be reliable and available, and when will DC get back in form. And as for Ferrari, they've been suffering a little bit of bad luck in the last two races and the new car is not quite as fantastic as they had sung about. However, they're not champions for nothing and they'll obviously be the ones to take the battle to Williams.
Any opinions?

jonno

Williams are in a very strong position at the moment and are showing what the BMW is capable of. The new contarct they have signeed with BMW will bring them to 2010 - that is a massive deal for Frank Williams and a great boost to the team to have that sort of stability in place. They can only get better.

As for this year, Williams could very well take the constructors title off Ferrari with both drivers peaking at the important time. With Barrichello's future at Ferrari in doubt he isn't performing well and DC is up to his usual tricks at McLaren. I disagree that the Ferrari car isn't up to scratch. It is still the fastest car out there in a straight line. Where they are losing it is in the tyre department. Bridgestone are starting to be out performed by the michellin tyre which has come on in leaps and bounds this season. That is where Williams will have the advantage. But I would not rule out Ferrari yet - especially in the Drivers Championship as we all know what MS can do.

I can see Williams making a good fight of it in both and it will end very close between Williams and Ferrari with Kimi just about keeping McLaren in the fight.

Robbo

I reckon Williams can do it. At the moment their car/tyres/engine package is the best out there. I'd put money on them taking the constructors championship and probably Ralf for the drivers.

As Jonno said, the tyres are what is hurting Ferrari at the moment. Today and yesterday, there's a massive Bridgestone tyre test going on in Barcelona. They're trying out loads of new compounds and constructions so I'd imagine that Ferrari might be closer in Silverstone. If they don't make progress, Williams should take Silverstone and probably Hockenheim after that.

The new McLaren is now due for Monza, if at all. I reckon they'll be writing off the season soon enough, the "old" car seems to have lost it's pace now that Williams have they're car working right.

celticfc

Originally posted by Robbo
the tyres are what is hurting Ferrari at the moment. Today and yesterday, there's a massive Bridgestone tyre test going on in Barcelona. They're trying out loads of new compounds and constructions so I'd imagine that Ferrari might be closer in Silverstone. If they don't make progress, Williams should take Silverstone and probably Hockenheim after that.

I think its very good that they're doing some testing in spain now because they have they have to get those tyres working consistantly good throughout a lap in high temps not just in the straights.
Silverstone should be a good track for bridgestone alright. They like the slightly cooler track.

Robbo

Originally posted by celticfc
I think its very good that they're doing some testing in spain now because they have they have to get those tyres working consistantly good throughout a lap in high temps not just in the straights.
Silverstone should be a good track for bridgestone alright. They like the slightly cooler track.

Silverstone might not be that cool. The weather over here has been really sunny over the last while and looks to stay that way. We're not talking continental Europe but it has been nudging 30 celsius.

celticfc

Originally posted by Robbo
Silverstone might not be that cool. The weather over here has been really sunny over the last while and looks to stay that way. We're not talking continental Europe but it has been nudging 30 celsius.

I think thats enough for bridgestone to be maybe just a little bit more competitive with michelin.

At this stage I think they'll be trying to snap up any advantage no matter how small it is.

GreenHell

Shame Mclaren aren't going to use there new car till the third last race of the season, but who knows by then they might really mix up what is becoming a very interesting fight between the Shumi brothers and Montoya taking up the rear.

Williams should easily take the constructors no problem Rubino is way of the pace this season so Williams are just going to keep clocking up the points.

What I think will be interesting over the next few races will be where the Michelin tyres are superior enough to allow the Mclaren to stay ahead of Ferrari.

Btw Moto GP is a much better show than F1 at the moment, F1 still hasn't got its mojo back.

celticfc

Originally posted by GreenHell
Shame Mclaren aren't going to use there new car till the third last race of the season, but who knows by then they might really mix up what is becoming a very interesting fight between the Shumi brothers and Montoya taking up the rear.

I severly doubt they'll bring it out at all now.

Originally posted by GreenHell
Williams should easily take the constructors no problem Rubino is way of the pace this season so Williams are just going to keep clocking up the points.

I disagree, I see a very strong performance from both Ferrari's (not just @ silverstone but the rest of the season)
I'd still say Ferrari will take the constructors c'ship & Michael for the drivers title.

Originally posted by GreenHell
What I think will be interesting over the next few races will be where the Michelin tyres are superior enough to allow the Mclaren to stay ahead of Ferrari.

Not a chance.

Originally posted by GreenHell
Btw Moto GP is a much better show than F1 at the moment, F1 still hasn't got its mojo back.

Nah, not for me anyway I'm really enjoying this season