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For Williams team mates Nico Rosberg and Alexander Wurz, the 2007 season was one of mixed emotions. Rosberg’s rising star continued to shine, the German youngster showing some breathtaking qualifying pace and recording his best race finish to date.

Wurz, however, decided to finally call time on his Formula One race career, despite scoring the team’s only podium of the year in Montreal. Both men reflect on their contrasting ’07 fortunes…

Nico Rosberg, Williams
Championship position: 9th (20 points)
Best race result: 4th (x1), Best qualifying: 4th (x1)
“In many ways, it’s been a good year for me. I learnt a lot from last season - my rookie year - and that allowed me to prepare myself differently for this season. In a long season it is natural that you have ups and downs. Races seemed to start off well in the opening rounds, but the results just weren’t there. As the season progressed, though, we were able to capitalize on strong starting positions, get good results and consistently collect points. One of the key things was that the car was improving both mechanically and aerodynamically and simultaneous we managed to set it up in the most advantageous way for most of the circuits. I managed to make it into Q3 11 times and some race results even proved quite surprising this year!

“My best memories of the season? Probably Spa! After the pre-race test we weren’t convinced we were going to be competitive so I was expecting a rather poor weekend. But a great lap in qualifying put me in sixth position on the grid and going into the first corner in the race there were just two Ferraris and two McLarens ahead of me. That felt great.

“And naturally Brazil as it was here that I achieved my best result in Formula One so far, finishing forth having started in 10th. I had another good fight with the BMWs and I beat them fair and square with a well executed overtaking maneuver going into the first corner. That finish also meant the team secured forth place in the Constructor’s Championship. To sum up, I’ve had a lot of really good experiences this year and I feel I can go into the winter quite happy!”

Alexander Wurz, Williams
Championship position: 11th (13 points)
Best race result: 3rd (x1), Best qualifying: 11th (x1)
“I have always said that if you have a moment of doubt about what you are doing, then it is time to stop. I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that the only answer to such thoughts must be retirement. I have spent 10 years in Formula One - and I can say those were great years! And finishing my career as an active race driver was the sugar on the cake. Racing this year has been a great pleasure and the podium in Canada - where it all started for me in 1997 - a worthwhile reward for all the hard work.

“In the future I don’t want to rule out racing - perhaps in Le Mans. But for the moment I want to concentrate on my family - I am a three times dad - and commit some time to the important issue of road safety. I truly can say that I have enjoyed every single minute being part of Formula One! But now it’s time to close that chapter.”