His need for extra time away from the track reflects on the fierce battle he had with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen and the Williams-BMW of Juan Pablo Montoya before claiming his historic title in Suzuka.

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Another motor manufacturing super-power, the German-based BMW, will be joining the Williams team next year, as its engine suppliers.

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The driver of the Nova, Dylan Peters Williams, a 21-year-old farmworker, said he saw the BMW sliding into his path.

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Renault, fourth last year, and Williams both launch their cars at that test on Monday, while BMW Sauber - third overall in 2008 - have chosen the Valencia track in Spain for the first public appearance of their new model.

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