Priaulx Returns To Williams c##kpit

[narain fan 0]

PRIAULX RETURNS TO WILLIAMS c##kPIT

Last Updated: Monday, 28, November, 2005, 14:00

Newly crowned World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx will get another taste of Formula 1 machinery tomorrow, when he helps Williams kick off its winter testing programme at Barcelona.

The 31-year-old from Guernsey has been called up to assist the team pending the nomination of its full-time test driver for the 2006 season.

It is understood that Williams’ shortlist of candidates for the role of third driver has been whittled down to two – Narain Karthikeyan, who became India’s first ever grand prix driver last season, and Dane Nicolas Kiesa, who contested five races for Minardi in 2003.

But Williams has yet to make its final choice so Priaulx, who has impressed the team with his technical feedback on previous outings, has stepped into the breach for the Barcelona test.

“They just called me out of the blue and asked me to drive the new car tomorrow and I said yes,” Priaulx told ITV-F1.com.

“I have no experience of a contemporary V8 [engine], but obviously I have driven V8s and Cosworth DFLs in hillclimbs [a discipline in which Priaulx was a champion prior to his switch to circuit racing].

“It’s a new experience again and a good opportunity to get a little more time in an F1 car.”

Priaulx’s last test for Williams was a one-day run at Vallelunga in May, and he is relishing the opportunity to gain some more seat time.

He is under no illusions that he will be drafted in to a full-time testing role at the Grove squad – for one thing, Williams needs a paying driver, and for another, Priaulx is contracted to continue racing touring cars for BMW.

But he is optimistic that if he gives a good account of himself, further opportunities may arise in the future.

“I’m not getting carried away with the Formula 1 scene because it changes so fast and it’s dependent on money. All I’m doing is taking each opportunity as it comes about and giving it the maximum,” Priaulx said.

“I have signed for two more years in the World Touring Car Championship next year and I am not expecting [a full-time F1 role] to come of this.

“But again this is another chance and more time in an F1 car, which is good experience and could help me in the future.

“If I get into a Formula 1 car again and do an exceptional job, I’m sure things will develop from there, but at the same time I haven’t driven an F1 car for six months so I’m just taking it one step at a time.

“I’m a world champion in touring cars and a double champion at that; I want to be taken seriously for that.

“If I ever did get a test role for an F1 team it would be alongside a touring car drive.”

[Panchito 0]

He would be a very good friday driver for Williams

[narain fan 0]

He will be a very good friday driver for Williams

sad....he is not .....

[Panchito 0]

Well, we never know, but i prefer him to the "Crash Test Dummie".

P.S. In fact i prefer almost everyone instead of CTD.

[narain fan 0]

Well, we never know, but i prefer him to the "Crash Test Dummie".

In fact i prefer almost everyone instead of CTD.

we shall see

[Panchito 0]

In MY opinion a test driver would have to be:

1 - A good "feedbacker", with good technical capabilities and a good understanding of the car.

2 - A secure driver, a third car is too expensive to be in the hands of somebody who cant control the car ( straights included)

3 - A "good person", someone who doesn

[narain fan 0]

In MY opinion a test driver would have to be:

1 - A good "feedbacker", with good technical capabilities and a good understanding of the car.

2 - A secure driver, a third car is too expensive to be in the hands of somebody who cant control the car ( straights included)

3 - A "good person", someone who doesn

[Panchito 0]

Yep, but i can have a opinion too, do u let me?

[Senna 0]

Kiesa, although far from good, is a better driver than Narain. That much is certain. However, no one can match the generosity of the Indian

[pumpdoc 2]

Kiesa, although far from good, is a better driver than Narain. That much is certain. However, no one can match the generosity of the Indian

[Wez 0]

Priaulx is an extreamly quick touring car driver, and was faultless all season in the WTCC. He cant possibly be worse in an F1 than a certain ex-Jordan driver.

[Panchito 0]

I dont think that Kiesa is that bad really, i prefer Priaulx though.