OCTOBER 13, 2004

A change of test driver at Williams?

Marc Gene seems to be on the move after four year with the BMW Williams team. The 30-year-old from Sabadell is rumoured to be on his way to Ferrari although the team is not believed to be planning to split with Luca Badoer, the 33-year-old who has been testing for Ferrari for five seasons. The latest rumours are that Nick Heidfeld will be brought in at Williams if Jenson Button stays at BAR, a situation which would most likely promote Antonio Pizzonia to the second BMW Williams in 2005. Heidfeld is a well-respected driver who has done well against his Sauber team mates, notably Kimi Raikkonen. The German was disappointed when McLaren picked Raikkonen instead of him, particularly as he had been part of the McLaren Mercedes driver development programme. Heidfeld has had a frustrating year with Jordan but still wants to get into a top team. His name was certainly on the Williams list earlier this year but it seems that Pizzonia's performances in recent races, when he stood in for the injured Ralf Schumacher, were good enough to make him the favourite for the drive if Button is forced to stay at BAR.