WilliamsF1 can’t afford Webber in ’07

August 2, 2006

It has finally been confirmed that the WilliamsF1 team are dropping Mark Webber for the 2007 Formula 1 season and replacing him with current test driver Alex Wurz.

Given that WilliamsF1 had an option on Mark Webber’s services for 2007, and given his performances this season have been outstanding despite mechanical failures causing many retirements I can only imagine that the cost of the new Toyota engines for next year must have priced him out of the market for the team.

Webber has only completed 4 of the 12 races this season, with 6 of his 8 retirements due to mechanical failure, 2 due to being caught up in other peoples accidents.

This is a shame as I really do like the WilliamsF1 team. However my real aliegence is with Webber so my team support next year will follow to whichever team he joins. Given RenaultF1 has a spare race seat next year, and Flavio Briatore is Webbers manager, it would seem that he is the prime candidate for a drive there alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks – to see who he signs for.