Williams contact with Dixon confirmed

[Adam43]

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26377&s=5
Autosport are running 105's story too.

Scott Dixon will get his first run with the Williams Formula 1 team during a test in France next week as it looks ahead to its potential 2005 driver line-up.

The 23-year-old Kiwi will test for Frank Williams' team next week at Paul Ricard in France. A full-blown test will follow in April.

Bodes well for him. A very decent opportunity. A no pressure test followed by one to apply what he has learned.

[graves]

Originally posted by esorniloc
I just hope its true.

I think Dixon could be the driver Williams are looking for to replace Montoya.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????

[f1atic]

Originally posted by jhansen
I'd say that Jeff Gordan has a better shot at a Williams seat over Dixon. Just can't see it happening.

I must agree with this. Furthermore, it may be that he could bring with him some money - not that he would be buying his seat.

The interesting thing about JG testing is that if he were picked up, the sport would benefit financially. Many die-hard NASCAR fans would begin watching F1 too and the ratings would go up.

[Chappelli]

Dixon will do well, whether he gets a shot at a full time driver is another question... Regardless of what you think of his driving skills... the one thing you cannot deny is that the lad has more passion and desire to make it to F1 than a lot of the other names being bandied about.

As for Gordon, I can't see a whole lot of NASCAR fans shifting to F1 if Gordon gets a drive... Would anyone watch equstrian events if Schuey took up horse riding? NASCAR is the antithesis of F1..

[wblh]

Originally posted by Chappelli
Dixon will do well, whether he gets a shot at a full time driver is another question... Regardless of what you think of his driving skills... the one thing you cannot deny is that the lad has more passion and desire to make it to F1 than a lot of the other names being bandied about.

As for Gordon, I can't see a whole lot of NASCAR fans shifting to F1 if Gordon gets a drive... Would anyone watch equstrian events if Schuey took up horse riding? NASCAR is the antithesis of F1..

Am not so sure about that. I for one would certainly watch Nascar if Schuey switched

[chunterer]

Whatever the case and whoever they test, it is obviously to be considered as a serious look at a driver who is a potential star.

[chunterer]

It's been confirmed that he'll have the seat fitting and first run out on Friday at Ricard, then will return in April for a more serious test at Barcelona!

He certainly appeared calm and collected during the post race interview at Phoenix, where he once again showed class and maturity following Tony K home.

Ideally what will Williams be looking for on his first run, bearing in mind he'll get another go next month?

[Adam43]

They'll want a decent run and good feedback I'd guess. The ultimate speed can wait until the next test.

It is a good chance for Dixon. He gets a no pressure test this time to try and get used to an F1 and then a chance (after he's thought about it) to put in a proper run and stake his claim...

[spider]

From AUTOSPORT! http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26545&s=5


Dixon hits track in F1 Williams
IndyCar champ gets first taste of grand prix car


Dixon pulls out of the pits on his first ever F1 run


The Kiwi took it easy on his opening laps


IRL IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon has turned his first laps in a Formula 1 car when he hit the track in a 2004 Williams-BMW at Paul Ricard in southern France this morning (Friday).

The Kiwi completed 30 laps in the car during the morning session, and gradually lowered his lap times as he got used to the Williams machine.

He was slightly hampered by a minor gearbox glitch but the team was able to fix that swiftly and Dixon continued running on what he described as a "sensible learning curve".

By the end of the morning, Dixon was setting lap times in the low 1m15s bracket, around three seconds off the pace of the regular F1 test drivers who have been pounding round the track since Tuesday.

Dixon is expecting to get a proper test for the Williams F1 team next month and has been touted as a possible replacement for Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who leaves the team at the end of 2004 for McLaren.

[Rennen]

But does an IRL "Roundy Round" driver know how to go around right handers!?

[Kicking-back]

Originally posted by Rennen
But does an IRL "Roundy Round" driver know how to go around right handers!?

I'd expect better from someone with your knowledge.

Scott was in CART, Indy Lights and before that his entire career was in "turning left and right".

He's only been in the IRL for 1 season plus 2 races.

[spider]

From Autosport.com:

F1 cars are "on the edge", says Dixon
Williams hopeful enjoys his first taste of FW26


Dixon had a promising first day in a Williams F1 car


Reigning IRL IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon was wowed by his first experience of a Formula 1 car at Paul Ricard on Friday, saying the Williams-BMW FW26 was "very different and very cool" from what he's used to.

Dixon, who is tipped to be in the running for a seat at Williams in 2005, began lapping in the 1m21s bracket this morning, but had set a best time of 1m12.806s by the middle of the afternoon. This compared well to regular driver Ralf Schumacher, who did a 1m12-dead on newer compound Michelin tyres.

When asked for his first impressions of driving an F1 car, Dixon told autosport.com: "It is very different and very cool! Especially in the first few laps, the car is so different to what I'm used to; it is just overwhelming the way it stops. I think the brakes are probably 100 times better, and the car handles a lot better. It is a lot more nimble, because you know how light the car is – probably a couple of hundred kilos lighter than a Champ Car – which makes the difference. It has a lot more grip too."

The big thing was getting used to the speed on the car on these tyres
Scott Dixon

Dixon suffered a small gearbox glitch this morning, and had a new engine fitted for his afternoon runs. He suffered with his neck muscles (quipping: "I haven't turned right for a year or so!") and has promised to work on his fitness before his next test at Barcelona next month.

"The big thing was getting used to the speed on the car on these tyres," he added. "It is a strange feeling. Grooved tyres have totally different characteristics [to slicks]. The car is very much on the edge, but most of the time is very nimble. It feels nice to drive – it is a proper race car."

[climb]

Not bad for a first outing, indeed

[Kicking-back]

He's gone better than I expected so far.

[Rennen]

Well Kicking-back (how is the back by the way?) it sure gave the engineers a big laugh at Paul Ricard last night! Chillout man!

[Rennen]

I think 1.11 flat at Paul Ricard is the mark...fair way to go then...if PR made his neck sore...boy wait till he gets to Barcelona!

[chunterer]

'The boy done well' as they say in football!

I knew he wouldn't dissappoint! 8 10ths off the regular driver's time and shaving about 10 secs off his own times throughout the day clearly illustrates a careful and methodical approach.

Overalla pretty impressive and sensible first run i think?

Can't wait to see how he goes over THREE days in Spain. Bring it on!!

[wblh]

Way to go boy. You did exactly the job required. I bet you can`t wait to get back and really get angry. Interesting to hear your comments about your neck, I know you`ve been working on them pretty hard

[Armco Bender]

Call me a total idiot,but I know whos going fill one of the Williams seats 2005

[wblh]

Pos Driver Nat Team Laps Time Gap To 1st
1. Jenson Button GB BAR-Honda 80 1:10.846
2. Ralf Schumacher D Williams-BMW 134 1:11.300 0.454 0.454
3. Anthony Davidson GB BAR-Honda 48 1:11.623 0.323 0.777
4. Scott Dixon NZ Williams-BMW 59 1:11.753 0.130 0.907
5. Pedro de la Rosa E McLaren-Mercedes 96 1:12.038 0.285 1.192
6. Alex Wurz A McLaren-Mercedes 22 1:12.256 0.218 1.410
7. Ricardo Zonta BR Toyota 57 1:12.427 0.171 1.581
8. Franck Montagny F Renault 141 1:12.524 0.097 1.678

[tanalised]

great job done by Scott. That time looks pretty good for a first "try" in Frank's car. His comments about the car being "a proper racing car" were pretty good too!

[Teretonga]

Ralf 11.330
Dixon 11.753

Dixon .423 Slower after 59 laps in a F1 car, on grooved tyres in the dry for the first time since he raced FF, the other driver has been driving for these cars on these tyres for over three years...Can Dixon turn right?

[wblh]

Yes I knew he was good but I am absolutely blown away with those times. Was expecting him to be around 2 to 3 secs off the pace and to be quite happy with that. There will surely be a bit of fast talking going on now, in fact i`d be surprised if Frank let him leave without signing on the dotted line

[Raven]

Williams must have been very impressed by Dixon's first run in an F1 car. To only do 59 laps and be in the zone is a great achievement and this was just a shakedown. The last half second is always said to be hardest to find, but I expect Dixon to go well in Barcelona.

I wouldn't be so sure about Dixon getting the race seat for 05 though - it seems Ralf has blinked in his talks with WIlliams with Weber now talking about cutting RS's wages in addition to waiting until August for a final contract signing. If Webber or Button become available, it would seem more logical to have a Ralf & Webber/Button partnership. Full marks to Dixon though!

[Just Do It!]

Sign the sod, Sir Frank, sign the sod!

That is just fantastic news and underwrites the belief that I have long had in his abilities.

Watch out world, NZ could well have an F1 World Champion before 2007 - when it wil be the 40th anniversary since we had our first and only - so far - F1 World Champ in the form of Denny "The Bear" Hulme!