Frank Williams, the Williams team owner, told Webber he would he happy to sign him for 2005 although Briatore wanted Webber at Renault alongside Alonso. Williams had been interested in Webber since he set the third-quickest race lap of the 2003 Austrian Grand Prix and Webber and Neal thought it an opportunity to advance his career. He was in contact with the Williams team from the 2003 French Grand Prix to the 2004 pre-season period. Webber activated an performance clause enabling his departure from Jaguar if an improved offer came along, and Williams agreed to break Sauber driver Fisichella's contract clause dictating he join either their team, McLaren or Ferrari. This allowed Webber to drive for Williams in 2005, having been selected for his approach to driving. He was granted an early release from Jaguar following the season-ending so he could test for Williams, and prepared for the season by doing fitness training with cyclist Lance Armstrong at a training camp in Texas.