The BMW WilliamsF1 Team has begun a five-day test programme, the first of 2005, at Jerez. The decision regarding the vacant race seat will be made later this month.  The tests at Jerez de la Frontera in Southern Spain are supposed to make it easier for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team to decide whether Nick Heidfeld or Antonio Pizzonia will contest the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship alongside Mark Webber.

On 31st January, at the latest, at the official WilliamsF1 BMW FW27 car launch, the team will announce its final decision. "We've decided that to be fair to the team and also to the two drivers to give them more time to demonstrate their abilities," said BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal, Frank Williams at a video press conference in London.

According to Williams, in order to gather more information about the drivers, up to three head-to-head tests are scheduled. The Englishman admitted that it was hard to pick between Antonio and Nick. "They're quite different drivers but very evenly matched in many respects. We'll see," said Williams.