BMW Williams driver Antonio Pizzonia of Brazil hopes to remain with the Williams team next season.
Speaking at a news conference at Muscats Motors Ltd in Gzira yesterday, Pizzonia said he was grateful for Williams to have given him the chance to be their test driver and now also as one of their official drivers in the absence of Nicki Heidfeld who is injured.
He went on to say that as a driver, he was frustrated at times that he could not be part of the team, that is, not racing. He started racing when he was very young. He said he had started his career with go-karts in Brazil, but launched his European career when he was only 15 years old, racing cars in England. “At first it was very tough, but now I am grateful to all those who have helped me to the place where I am in today,” he said.
The 25-year-old Brazilian driver told the press he was glad to be in Malta, even though it was a short visit. “I am sure I will be back some day to enjoy this splendid island,” he said.
Asked whether he thought he would be able to do well in the forthcoming Brazilian GP in Sao Paolo, Pizzonia said he hoped to win it. “I will not be under any extra pressure because I will be racing at home. But this will obviously be something special for me, though I have already raced with Jaguar on this circuit,” he said.
Asked whether he thought the new A1 series would effect F1, he said: “Of course not. This is totally different. They will be filling the gap between summer and spring. It will be held during the winter months and it constitutes no problem for F1 racing,” he said.
He was also asked his opinion on outgoing world champion Michael Schumacher’s decline this season. He said: “Obviously their car is not as strong as it was the past season which they dominated. He is still a great character and we all respect him as one of the all time greats in the sport. I will not be surprised that he and Ferrari will be back in contention next season.”
Pizzonia also hopes that Williams will be much more competitive next time round. “I hope we will have the best car which could lead us to win the championship. I am certain they (Williams) will do their best. It is important to have a strong and competitive car. We will see what happens next year,” he said.
He also said that this year’s championship title may well be decided at the Brazilian Grand Prix on 25 September. “The McLarens are passing through a great moment. They should be considered favourites to win there as well, but, hopefully, I will win that race,” he said.