The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today confirmed that Antonio Pizzonia has been retained as its official test driver and will undertake testing duties for the team in 2004.  The 23-year-old from Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon, performed testing duties for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team during the 2002 season. His competence subsequently earned him a race seat with Jaguar Racing for the following Formula One World Championship season, his best race result being ninth position in the Austrian Grand Prix.

For 2004 Antonio returns to a crucial testing role in which he will assist with the development of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW26. He recently joined the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's test programme at Barcelona and Valencia.

On the announcement of his appointment, Antonio said, “It feels great to be back working with everyone at the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. My long term future in Formula One is as a race driver, but my aim for this year is to do everything I can as a test driver to help the team win the World Championship.”