SEPTEMBER 12, 2001

Marc Gene retained by BMW Williams as test driver

MARC GENE will be retained as the BMW Williams team's official F1 test driver in 2002, it was announced today (Wednesday).

MARC GENE will be retained as the BMW Williams team's official F1 test driver in 2002, it was announced today (Wednesday).

"Marc's contribution to the team has been invaluable, so we are delighted to have retained his services for next year," said Sir Frank Williams who also pointed out that the Spanish driver has completed over 10,000km of testing since joining the team in December 2000.

Gene added; "Testing for the team this year has been great for me as I have gained an enormous amount of experience, so I am very happy to sign for another year.

"I know I still have a lot more to learn and feel extremely lucky to be able to remain with the team. I see the challenge next year is to fight for the Championships - and the chances to contribute to that, in even the smallest way, motivates me."