Williams eys at the title for 2014

[F1fanaticBD]

Mr. Wolff, would be please kind enough to tell us the name of the driver, who will give you the points to win the title. Is it going to be Madman Maldonado? or is it going to be Bottas? Or is going to be someone else? Having a great engine will not win you the tittle. If that was the case, it would have been the Mclaren this year hands down.[/i

 Williams executive director Toto Wolff believes the team can use the 2014 regulations to become title contenders once again.

New engine regulations and technical changes will see less of a crossover between the current cars and the 2014 models. The last time such a change was introduced in 2009 Brawn made the most of the opportunity to win both championships, and Wolff told ESPNF1 in an exclusive interview that the progress being made off-track should see it in a position to take advantage.

"The team has made a big step forward with the engine and with the new people coming on board - these new people have been barely there for one year - so the structure is starting to work perfectly," Wolff said. "We're going to continue to hire aggressively and it's a matter of time to take the team forward.

"I think 2014 is going to be a big change in the rules and a big change in the regulations. I think we're all gearing up for 2014 to have a very competitive package and be one of the top teams."

When asked if Williams would be looking to win championships from that point, Wolff replied: "Yes, yes. That would be my personal target."

Wolff had lower expectations for 2013, saying he would like to see the team be more consistently challenging for the podium and challenging the top four or five teams in the championship.

"I think the target should be realistic. Winning races is very difficult - actually it's not, you just have to qualify in front and then it's much easier from what we've analysed! I think being a regular, consistent points-scorer between the podium and sixth place, having podiums, being recognised as one of the good teams, this would be the step forward next year. Finishing in the top five of the championship, maybe top four of the championship, would be something we would be targeting."
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

[Scott]

I hear HRT is also eying the 2014 title...but then they all should be, shouldn't they?? 

[F1fanaticBD]

I hear HRT is also eying the 2014 title...but then they all should be, shouldn't they?? 

 

Come on Scott, Williams is a team who is a previous multiple time WCC winner, with a great history. I would love to see that team become one of the big boys again. But to declare yourself as title contender just because rules are changing, is not the way to get into it.

Suppose Williams makes a promising car, somehow manages Kimi to drive it, and wins 2014 WCC along with WDC for Kimi, I am sure you will be jumping like a toddler, and supporting the team. I agree given the current circumstances it is very unlikely, still plausible.

[Williamsfan]

And in Toto's dream world, he'll be sharing a bed with the 2014 Driver's champion as his wife storms to the title winning all the races with Bottas coming second in every race.
 
I know it is right for a team boss to be optimistic, but one win this season is not enough to even convince me a repeat is possible next year, let alone when the new rules kick in and there is no certainty over which team will be where.  But then that logic is what may win a random team the title.  Still, with Williams I've learnt to expect the worst every season now.

[stealthhaggis]

And in Toto's dream world, he'll be sharing a bed with the 2014 Driver's champion as his wife storms to the title winning all the races with Bottas coming second in every race.

Some good Carry on style humour there!

[Jericoke]

I don't see anything absurd.

With the new rules, whoever guesses right will jump to an early lead.  While I don't expect it to be Williams, it's not particularly far fetched.  Certainly less far fetched than a Honda team that came in 9th place being resurrected as championship winning Brawn weeks before the season started.

[David]

I don't see anything absurd.

With the new rules, whoever guesses right will jump to an early lead.  While I don't expect it to be Williams, it's not particularly far fetched.  Certainly less far fetched than a Honda team that came in 9th place being resurrected as championship winning Brawn weeks before the season started.

Agreed Jeri. 

There isn't anything wrong with Williams engineering skills, in fact as a manufacturer I would rate them as one of the top teams. Bad engines and lack of funds has been their main problems over the last decade. If they can get the jump with the new regs there is no reason they shouldn't be a front runner. Come on Williams!! 

[Scott]

They'll still need a driver capable of it.  It'll be a reach unless they can somehow convince a big name or pick an amazing rookie. 

Don't misunderstand me, I'd love nothing more than Williams being a title contender in '14 (ok, I'd probably love Sauber being one a bit more), but they need to sign a great sponsor and a great driver.

[John S]

They'll still need a driver capable of it.  It'll be a reach unless they can somehow convince a big name or pick an amazing rookie. 

By 2014 Pastor will have left his childish things behind and be showing his true pedigree.    
Sure I've had a few beers this evening,    but I'll still feel the same way in the morning. 2014 could well be Maldonado's year.    

[F1fanaticBD]

They'll still need a driver capable of it.  It'll be a reach unless they can somehow convince a big name or pick an amazing rookie. 

By 2014 Pastor will have left his childish things behind and be showing his true pedigree.    
Sure I've had a few beers this evening,    but I'll still feel the same way in the morning. 2014 could well be Maldonado's year.    

Yeah by that time he would have finally get that he is a demolition driver, rather than a F1 driver..

[Williamsfan]

You mean I've got to endure another year of Pastor smashing up Williams race cars before he finally learns to put his pace to good use? 

I think when/if Bottas replaces Senna, it'll show up Maldonado considerably.  I have big (without real reason) hopes for that guy.

[David]

Massa is going to leave Ferrari to be replaced by Perez. Massa will then go to Williams just as they get a title contender car, then Massa is going to show his metal by winning the WDC with Williams. Ok I might be in a dream world, but this would make me happy, probably more happy than seeing Ferrari and Alonso do the double truth be told. 

[Scott]

...then Massa is going to show his metal by winning the WDC with Williams

  Oh stop it David, you're killing me.  Practically crying, I'm laughing so hard 

[Williamsfan]

Oh I so hope never to see Felipe in a Williams.   

[David]

Oh I so hope never to see Felipe in a Williams.