Wolff admits Williams' 2013 driver dilemma

Aug.24 (GMM) Toto Wolff has admitted Williams is facing a dilemma over its driver lineup for 2013.

Valtteri Bottas, Williams Third Driver with Bruno Senna, Williams in the background

Photo by: xpb.cc

The famous British team's shareholder and new executive director told Brazil's Totalrace he would "rather have three cars" to accommodate Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna and reserve driver Valtteri Bottas on the grid next season.

Finn Bottas, who is managed by Austrian Wolff, is hotly tipped to replace probably Brazilian Senna in 2013.

"Valtteri has been doing free practice but racing is something completely different," Wolff is quoted as saying.

"He is a great talent and we want to keep him, but there is also an economic side," he said, undoubtedly referring to the reportedly EUR 30-plus million and EUR 10 million brought to Williams by Maldonado and Senna respectively.

Money aside, Wolff said Barcelona winner Maldonado, and Senna, also bring "speed and intelligence" to Williams.

"I would rather have three cars next year," he smiled.

Wolff defended Senna, who has had a difficult 2012 but finished a strong seventh in Hungary last month.

"I am impressed with Bruno," he said.

"He is not only an intelligent and sensitive driver, he also learns quickly. Our concern is to support him in the best way possible, knowing that he has lacked some practice on the Fridays.

"He has had good moments and days when things have not worked, but in Hungary everything worked very well and I hope it was the beginning of many good weekends from now on," said Wolff.