Paul di Resta Fastest In Wet Opening Practice Session At Canada
Paul di Resta has ended the opening practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend fastest for Force India, in what was a wet/dry opening 90 minutes of track action around Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Scotsman finished ahead of the McLaren of Jenson Button, with Romain Grosjean 3rd for Lotus.
The opening practice session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix got underway in gloomy and wet weather conditions around the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez and Marussia of Max Chilton eventually becoming the first drivers to take to the Montreal circuit. Naturally the entire field elected to carry out numerous installation laps, with Sebastian Vettel in particular returning to the pits after every lap to complete a practice start at the end of the pit-lane.
Whereas the reigning World Champion continued to complete practice starts at the end of the pit-lane, Esteban Gutierrez produced the first timed lap of the weekend with a 01:34.113. The Mexican driver managed to continue improving, eventually working his way down to a 01:30.224 on the full wet Cinturato tyres. The 21-year-old’s reign at the top was short-lived, however, as Mark Webber soon rose to the top for Red Bull after producing a 01:29.412 on the intermediate tyres. The Australian ace then lowered the benchmark even further with a 01:27.909, as more drivers began braving the elements on the intermediate tyre.
As Valtteri Bottas got to grips with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and skipped through the grass at Turn 3, Kimi Raikkonen rose to the top for Lotus with a 01:27.334, before Jean-Eric Vergne thwarted the Finn as the times at the top began to tumble thanks to the improving weather conditions. Nico Rosberg soon asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:26.051 for the German marque, before improving with a 01:24.902. The German ace seems intent on continuing from where he left off after the Monaco Grand Prix last time out.
Jules Bianchi ran straight on at Turn 3 as the opening practice session progressed, forcing the Frenchman to prematurely end his session after struggling to engage the reverse gear. Whilst Jules Bianchi began his walk back to the pits, Mercedes continued to dominate at the front as Lewis Hamilton produced a time +0.616 seconds behind his team-mate to go 2nd fastest. Nico Rosberg continued to improve at the top for the German marque as the session entered its closing stages, as the Toro Rosso duo of Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo became the first to switch to Pirelli’s dry tyres in the improving weather conditions.
Nico Rosberg once again improved at the top with a 01:23.680, before reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel stormed to the top for Red Bull with a 01:23.047. The German sensation has surprisingly yet to win a race around Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and will be striving to bring an end to that stat this weekend. Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg made minor errors as the session drew to a close, before Jenson Button rose to the top for McLaren with a 01:21.551.
Pastor Maldonado made contact with the wall at Turns 3 and 4 during the final minutes of the session, as the Venezuelan driver spun into the wall and destroyed the front of his Williams. The 28-year-old’s stricken Williams was quickly cleared, allowing Paul di Resta to rise to the top for Force India as the checkered flag emerged signaling the end of the opening practice session. The Scotsman was followed home at the front by Jenson Button in the McLaren and Romain Grosjean in the Lotus.
The teams and drivers will return to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve later in the day for the second practice session ahead of Sunday’s 70-lap Canadian Grand Prix. The drivers will naturally be hoping the rain fails to return for practice two, as they continue their many preparations for the weekend ahead.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m21.020s 10 2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m21.108s + 0.088s 20 3. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m21.258s + 0.238s 21 4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m21.308s + 0.288s 16 5. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m21.608s + 0.588s 22 6. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m22.068s + 1.048s 18 7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m22.402s + 1.382s 22 8. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes 1m22.587s + 1.567s 17 9. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m23.047s + 2.027s 26 10. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m23.131s + 2.111s 16 11. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m23.341s + 2.321s 13 12. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1m23.352s + 2.332s 17 13. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m23.3e6s + 2.366s 19 14. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m23.417s + 2.397s 19 15. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m23.957s + 2.937s 33 16. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m25.054s + 4.034s 21 17. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1m25.354s + 4.334s 22 18. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault 1m25.753s + 4.733s 21 19. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 1m25.821s + 4.801s 19 20. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault 1m27.143s + 6.123s 20 21. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m27.522s + 6.502s 11 22. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth 1m29.306s + 8.286s 8
Picture Copyright © Force India F1 Team
Williams Confirm Long-Term Mercedes Engine Deal
Williams has confirmed a long-term engine deal with German marque Mercedes from 2014 onwards, which will see the Grove-based outfit switch to its fifth engine supplier in fourteen years since its endeavor with BMW-power back in 2000. Since then, Williams has been powered by the likes of Toyota, Cosworth and Renault.
Rumors linking Williams to Mercedes for the 2014 season emerged during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, and comes only several weeks since McLaren announced their return to Honda engines from 2015 onwards. The subject of engine suppliers has become increasingly popular in recent weeks, with Toro Rosso confirming a switch from Ferrari to Renault and Caterham likely to confirm their allegiance to the French engine supplier in the coming days.
Although Mercedes will supply Williams with the Mercedes-Benz Power Unit and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, the Grove-based outfit will still manufacture their own transmission next season. This move from Williams comes only several months after former Executive Director Toto Wolff switched to Mercedes to become the marque’s Executive Director. The 41-year-old believes the partnership is a win-win situation for both Williams and Mercedes.
Toto Wolff believes the switch will be a win-win situation for both Mercedes and Williams.
“The proud heritage of Williams and the company’s commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations.” Explained Toto Wolff, “It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams, which will ensure HPP is able to supply at least three teams on a long-term basis under the new regulations and could open interesting new perspectives for technology transfer. We look forward to enjoying much success together over the coming years.”
From 2014 onwards, the technical aspects of a Formula 1 engine will change drastically, with the sport switching from the current normally aspirated 2.4 litre V8 engine to a new 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit. Mercedes has already unveiled their engine for the 2014 season, which will witness one of the largest technical revamps in the history of the sport. Williams founder and team principal, Sir Frank Williams, has expressed great delight in announcing his team’s technical partnership with Mercedes.
“I’m delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond.” Enthused Sir Frank Williams, “Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix.”
Since recording their first victory since the 2004 season last year at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams has endured a frustrating start to the new season. The Grove-based outfit has so far been unable score any points this season, with former race winner Pastor Maldonado and former GP3 Series Champion Valtteri Bottas both suffering a tough start to the 2013 season. However, the switch to Mercedes next season could well provide the team with the technical backing required for a return to their competitive ways.
Picture(s) Copyright © Williams F1 Team & Mercedes AMG Petronas
Nico Rosberg Romps To A Dominant Monaco GP Victory
Nico Rosberg has romped to a dominant victory around the streets of Monte-Carlo, after a thrilling and incident-filled 78-lap race which featured everything from safety car periods to a red flag delay. The Mercedes ace was followed home by fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel, with Mark Webber just holding off Lewis Hamilton for 3rd.
After the damp and dreary weather conditions which plagued qualifying, the Monte-Carlo street circuit was once again bathed in glorious sunshine for the legendary race. As the field began the traditional formation lap, the Marussia of Jules Bianchi stalled on the grid and was subsequently forced to start the race from the pit-lane. At the start Nico Rosberg stormed into a commanding lead, as Lewis Hamilton defended heavily from the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel.
The Silver Arrows led at the front as the lights went out.
As the field negotiated the opening lap of the race, Giedo van der Garde collided with the Williams of Pastor Maldonado at Turn 6 and lost his front-wing. The duo were forced to return to the pits after the opening lap for repairs, loosing them valuable track time. Throughout the opening laps, Nico Rosberg continued to open up a considerable gap to his team-mate, as Charles Pic became the first retirement of the race after his gearbox suffered a seizure and caused a fire on his Caterham.
Luckily the ever-efficient Monegasque marshals were able to clear the stricken Caterham and quickly extinguish the flames without the need of a safety car intervention. The order remained relatively unchanged for the first part of the race, until Mark Webber became the first front-runner to pit on Lap 25. With a one-stop strategy the plan for the majority of the front-runners, the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso all pitted within the next two laps.
The race was thrown into utter confusion on Lap 29, when Felipe Massa once again slammed into the retaining barriers at Turn 1 in similar fashion to his incident during practice three. The Brazilian driver violently embedded his Ferrari into the barriers at Turn 1, causing the first of many safety car periods. As soon as the safety car was deployed, Sebastian Vettel and the two Mercedes’ immediately pitted. With Lewis Hamilton being forced to complete a slow in-lap due to the German marque stacking their drivers in the pits, the Briton lost track position to the Red Bull duo whereas Nico Rosberg managed to retain the lead.
After several laps behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Nico Rosberg once again opening up a comfortable lead at the front. Lewis Hamilton was visibly frustrated behind the Red Bull of Mark Webber, and tried an overtaking maneuver at Turn 18. However, the former Monaco Grand Prix winner managed to defend his position heavily through Turn 19. During the early stages of the race the McLaren duo fought perilously close, and continued to do so as the race progressed.
Jenson Button tried an overtaking maneuver on Fernando Alonso at Turn 6, but failed to complete the move and lightly tapped the rear of the Spaniard’s Ferrari. This enabled Sergio Perez to close right up on his team-mate, and master an overtaking maneuver into Turn 10. The race was momentarily red flagged on Lap 45, when Pastor Maldonado and Max Chilton came together at the high-speed at Turn 12.
After running wide following a battle with the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez, Max Chilton slowed on the run down to Turn 12 allowing Pastor Maldonado to catch the Briton. Just before the corner, the duo touched which launched Maldonado momentarily into the air and then into the retaining barrier. Upon impact, the barrier absorbed Maldonado’s Williams and then flung it back out onto the track. The barrier itself became dislodged from its placing and was also spat out onto the track. This caused a red flag delay, forcing the field to line up at the grid.
Eventually after a delay of several minutes, the race was resumed behind the safety car. After only one lap of safety car control, the race returned to green flag conditions with Nico Rosberg scampering away at the front as Lewis Hamilton continued to try and find a way around Mark Webber’s Red Bull. Max Chilton was subsequently issued with a drive-thru penalty for causing the incident with Pastor Maldonado, which the Briton served immediately.
As the majority of the field continued to follow each other, Adrian Sutil threw caution to the wind and stormed up the inside of firstly Jenson Button and then Fernando Alonso several laps later at Turn 6. Jules Bianchi became the next retirement of Lap 60, as the Frenchman lost control of his Marussia and spun into the retaining tyre barrier at Turn 1. The third and final safety car delay of the day was caused when Romain Grosjean’s incident-filled weekend continued when he slammed into the rear of Daniel Ricciardo at Turn 10, ruining both of their races.
The safety car period was short-lived, as Nico Rosberg managed to continue his lead at the front over reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Further down the order saw Sergio Perez continue his feisty drive through the field, resulting in an altercation with the Finn of Kimi Raikkonen. This resulted in a puncture for the Lotus driver and saw Sergio Perez forced into retirement at Turn 19. Kimi Raikkonen therefore pitted for replace his delaminated tyre, dropping him right to the back of the field.
However, as Nico Rosberg stormed across the line to secure a memorable and historic victory, Kimi Raikkonen simply scythed through the field during the closing laps to finish 10th and secure himself another sensational points finish. Nico Rosberg, however, created history as the first son of a former Monaco Grand Prix winner to win the race himself, after his father Keke Rosberg’s victory in 1983.
Despite such a dominant race weekend for the Mercedes duo, Sebastian Vettel still managed to increase his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship with another strong result in 2nd position. The reigning World Champion will be striving to utilize Pirelli’s revised tyres next time out at the Canadian Grand Prix around Montreal’s Circuit du Gilles Villeneuve. However, the Mercedes’ duo will once again be out to upset the Red Bull party at the front.
PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS The Monaco Grand Prix Monte Carlo, Monaco; 78 laps; 260.520km; Weather: . Classified: Pos Driver Team 1. Rosberg Mercedes 2. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 3. Webber Red Bull-Renault 4. Hamilton Mercedes 5. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 6. Button McLaren-Mercedes 7. Alonso Ferrari 8. Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 9. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes 10. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 11. Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 12. Bottas Williams-Renault 13. Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 14. Chilton Marussia-Cosworth 15. van der Garde Caterham-Renault DNF. Perez McLaren-Mercedes DNF. Grosjean Lotus-Renault DNF. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari DNF. Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth DNF. Maldonado Williams-Renault DNF. Massa Ferrari DNF. Pic Caterham-Renault
Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images
Have You Pushed The Boundaries 200 Times? [Video]
Video Copyright © Red Bull Racing
Eight Drivers Avoid Penalty After DRS Activation
Eight drivers including the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel have avoided a penalty after allegedly activating the DRS device during a yellow flag zone shortly after the incident between Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil. Due to ongoing technical glitches with the marshaling system, race control could not govern the activation of the device.
Usually throughout a Grand Prix weekend race control has complete jurisdiction over the usage of the DRS overtaking device, preventing drivers accidentally activating the device whilst not within a second of the car in front or not within the activation zone. However, throughout the opening three races of the season technical glitches have continued to plague the electronic marshaling system. This therefore prevents the lights corresponding to the red, yellow and blue flags from working within the cockpit, as well as the safety car mode being automatically engaged should it be deployed.
Probably the most troublesome issue with the ongoing technical glitch is the inability for race control to remain in command of the activation of the DRS device. Due to this issue, the DRS device can theoretically be activated at any stage of the race by the drivers. After the collision between Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil at Turn 14, the DRS activation zone down the back straight was disabled as the marshals cleared away the stricken Sauber. Unfortunately, race control were unable to fully disable the device and therefore Jenson Button, Romain Grosjean, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Chilton were all put under investigation for allegedly activating the device throughout the yellow flag zone.
However, after being called up to the race stewards after the race, it was eventually decided that no penalty was to be issued to any of the drivers in question. This decision came about due to three facts regarding the activation, namely that the display of yellow flags failed to appear on the official messaging system until a minute after the incident, the DRS disable function was not fully operational and that the DRS usage was on the main straight where a green light was displayed.
If the race stewards had decided to impose timed penalties to the drivers in question, the official classification of the race could well have looked much different with Lewis Hamilton likely to have finished ahead of Kimi Raikkonen. Luckily, however, the classification was not altered and the drivers were able to retain their finishing positions.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Claire Williams Becomes Deputy Team Principal At Williams
It has been confirmed that Claire Williams has been appointed as the Deputy Team Principal of the Williams F1 Team, a role she will assume with immediate effect. This new role will see her work alongside her father and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams, and has created a clear succession path for the Grove-based outfit.
The announcement of this new appointment was initially scheduled to take place before the start of the new Formula 1 season, however with the death of Lady Virginia Williams earlier in the month, both Sir Frank Williams and Claire Williams elected postpone the announcement due to family privacy. Claire will play a pivotal role in the day to day running of the team, and will continue her role as the Commercial Director of the British outfit. Claire Williams began her career within the team in 2002 as the press officer, and has since worked her way up through the outfit.
“Over the past decade Claire has worked tirelessly for Williams.” Explained the team’s founder, Sir Frank Williams. “Her knowledge of the sport and passion for the team is unquestionable and I’m proud to say that during her time here she has proven herself to be one of our most valuable assets. With Claire being appointed Deputy Team Principal, I know the future of Williams is in extremely safe hands. This appointment also had Ginny’s blessing who I know would have been incredibly proud to have seen Claire taking on this position by my side.’’
Claire Williams is understandably honored to be assuming the role of Deputy Team Principal alongside her father, which comes after recent management alterations at the Grove-based outfit which has seen Adam Parr and Toto Wolff leave the outfit. Claire Williams is hopeful of seeing the team enter a new and successful chapter in the future.
“I’m truly honored to be taking on the role of Deputy Team Principal and look forward to working alongside Frank to help run the team this season and beyond.” Said Claire Williams, “I have grown up in the sport and have learnt the ropes from one of Formula One’s legendary Team Principals and as a result I feel well equipped for this new challenge. I understand the commitment that every person within the team gives each day to see our car out on the track and I am determined to see us back at the top. It will be a privilege to play a part in taking the team into what I hope will be a successful next chapter.”
Williams has endured a frustrating start to the 2013 season, with Pastor Maldonado retiring from both races at Australia and Malaysia. The Venezuelan ace has been rather negative with regards to the team’s FW35 machine, forcing the team to ponder a return to their 2012 exhaust layout amid the challenging start to the season. The team will be hoping for a change of luck in the next few races, as Formula 1 prepares to bid farewell to Asia for the start of the European season in May.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Romain Grosjean Fastest On Day Two Of Final Test
Romain Grosjean has ended the second day of the final pre-season test fastest overall for Lotus, in a frenetic day which both began and ended in inclement weather conditions. The Frenchman was followed at the top by the McLaren of Jenson Button, with Pastor Maldonado a distant 3rd for Williams.
The second day of the test dawned in foul weather conditions at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, with wet and windy conditions meeting the drivers as the session got underway. Romain Grosjean and Nico Rosberg became the first drivers’ to brave the elements, as others followed soon after. Naturally only installation laps were completed early on, with no-one keen on setting the first timed lap of the session during the first 20 minutes of the day.
Jenson Button eventually came around to complete the first timed lap of the day for McLaren, with the 2009 World Champion setting a 01:48.748. The benchmark was gradually lowered as the session wore on, as both Daniel Ricciardo and then Nico Rosberg rose to the top for Toro Rosso and Mercedes respectively. The German driver improved at the top with a 01:43.298, before the first red flag delay of the day was caused when the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo stopped on the track at Turn 9.
Once the session was resumed, reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:42.760. The German ace continue to improve at the front, as the track conditions marginally began to improve. Nico Rosberg returned to the top for Mercedes, with the German driver setting a 01:40.940 to thwart the reigning World Champion. Rosberg was able to improve at the front as the track continued to dry out, before the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo stormed to the top with a 01:39.615.
As the morning session wore on the times at the top quickly began to improve as the drivers switched from the intermediate tyres to the dry tyres, as local hero Fernando Alonso set the fastest time with a 01:38.190. Romain Grosjean momentarily rose to the top for Lotus, before the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg continued to lower the benchmark with a scintillating 01:35.894. Adrian Sutil briefly rose to the top for Force India, before Pastor Maldonado switched to the super-soft tyres and instantly reaped the rewards with several impressive lap times which eventually saw the Venezuelan driver set a 01:31.341.
Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso both momentarily shared the top spot as the morning session neared its conclusion, before Nico Rosberg returned to the top with a 01:27.672 as he continued to gather valuable track time for Mercedes. In the final minutes of the session, Jenson Button stormed to the top for McLaren with a 01:25.936 and remained at the top as the session was brought to a premature conclusion after the Lotus of Romain Grosjean caused the second red flag delay of the day after stopping at Turn 9.
After the damp start to the morning session, the afternoon period began in dry weather conditions as Nico Rosberg became the first driver to return to the track after the one hour lunch break. Eventually more cars took to the Barcelona circuit, as Jenson Button improved at the top with a 01:25.225. The Briton’s reign was short-lived, however, as the Force India of Adrian Sutil shot to the top with a 01:24.286 on his first day of track action after being confirmed as the second Force India driver. Sutil marginally improved upon his time at the top as the afternoon session wore on, before Jenson Button returned his McLaren to the top.
Despite causing a red flag delay earlier in the day, Romain Grosjean stormed to the top of the timing sheets as the session drew to a conclusion with a 01:22.716. This time from the Frenchman remained unchallenged as the rain returned over the Circuit de Catalunya. This forced the drivers to return to the circuit on the intermediate tyres, therefore preventing any driver from setting a faster lap time that Grosjean. Two final red flag delays were caused within the final few minutes of the afternoon session, as Giedo van der Garde suffered a mechanical issue on his CT03 and Pastor Maldonado came to a halt between Turns 3 and 4.
This saw the second day of the final pre-season test end under red flag conditions, with the Lotus of Romain Grosjean fastest ahead of Jenson Button and the Williams of Pastor Maldonado. The test will continue tomorrow morning around the Circuit de Catalunya, as the teams and drivers hope to carry out some running uninterrupted by rain.
TODAY'S TIMES Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps Tyres 1. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1m22.716s 88 Soft 2. Jenson Button McLaren 1m23.181s + 0.465s 72 Medium 3. Pastor Maldonado Williams 1m23.628s + 0.912s 75 Soft 4. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1m23.743s + 1.027s 65 Medium 5. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber 1m23.744s + 1.028s 79 Medium 6. Adrian Sutil Force India 1m24.215s + 1.499s 62 Medium 7. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1m25.483s + 2.767s 61 Soft 8. Max Chilton Marussia 1m25.598s + 2.882s 75 Soft 9. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1m26.316s + 3.600s 48 Medium 10. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m26.655s + 3.939s 120 Medium 11. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m27.878s + 5.162s 102 Medium
Picture Copyright © Lotus F1 Team
Williams Spend Final Day Of Second Test Carrying Out Pit-Stop Practice
Williams elected to spend the final day of the second pre-season test at Barcelona carrying out imperative pit-stop practice ahead of the new season, with the entire race team joining the outfit at the Circuit de Catalunya. Both Valtteri Bottas and Pastor Maldonado drove during the day, yet failed to set a timed lap.
After launching their new Renault-powered FW35 machine at the beginning of the week in the pit-lane of the Circuit de Catalunya, Williams ended the four-day test where they started in the pit-lane carrying out numerous practice pit-stops with both Bottas and Maldonado. The Grove-based outfit were joined in their fastidious practice stops by Mark Webber and Red Bull, who did likewise during the day.
Throughout the morning period rookie Valtteri Bottas began proceedings for Williams, completing 23 laps all of which were centralized around pit-stop practice. The Finn didn’t once set a timed lap, and neither did team-mate Pastor Maldonado who continued the team’s work in the pits during the wet afternoon period. Both drivers feel confident after their first week testing the new car, with the reliability of the FW35 already an improvement in comparison to the FW34.
“The full race team joined us in Barcelona today for pitstop practice.” Explained the team’s Technical Director, Mike Coughlan. “The weather was wet as we expected which means we didn’t lose any dry running time with the FW35 in doing this. Overall, we’ve had a very encouraging week as the core reliability of the car has proved to be excellent. We are now looking forward to the next test in Barcelona where we can concentrate on the performance.”
After a return to winning ways last season at the hands of Pastor Maldonado, the British team will be hoping to remain a competitive force this coming season. Valtteri Bottas topped the lap count of the week, with the Finnish rookie completing 355 laps in the new car. The Grove-based outfit will be looking to continue improving throughout the third and final test next week once the F1 fraternity reconvenes at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Williams Become Final Team To Unveil 2013 Challenger
Williams have become the final team to unveil their new car ahead of new new season, with Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas taking the covers off of the team’s FW35 machine at Barcelona prior to the start of testing. Maldonado will become the first driver to get behind of the wheel of the FW35 later this morning.
After a return to the their winning ways last season with Pastor Maldonado’s sensational victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, Williams are understandably keen to remain a competitive force in the field. Like many teams up and down the grid, the new FW35 features numerous improvements in comparison to the FW34 of last season yet retains a relatively similar appearance. The team have opted for the modesty panel to hide the step-nose design, with the front of the car reminiscent of Ferrari.
Although the new car is an evolution of their race winning FW34, the Grove-based outfit believe the FW35 is 80% new with a new gearbox, rear suspension, radiators, floor, exhausts, bodywork and front nose. Coupled with a revised driver line-up which features 2011 GP3 Champion and former Williams reserve driver Valtteri Bottas alongside Pastor Maldonado, the British outfit are understandably optimistic for the season ahead.
One of the major factors of the new season will be reliability up and down the order, with Williams confident that the FW35 will enjoy a certain amount of reliability throughout the season ahead. The new gearbox has been vigorously tested throughout the winter period, already completing 3,200kms on the dyno. The team also plan to introduce an aerodynamic upgrade prior to the first race of the year at Australia, and Mike Coughlan is adamant that the coanda effect will become a major development factor over the year.
“The Coanda effect is going to be a big thing for us,” explained the team’s technical director, Mike Coughlan. “There’s been no rule clarification concerning this area of the car, so we’ll work closely with Renault to maximize the available gains. Use of the DRS is more restricted this year, so we’ll take some resource away from that and focus on other areas. Given the rule stability over the winter. I’m pleased with the gains that we’ve been able to make with this car. It’s a better, more refined Formula One car than the FW34 and I think everyone involved in the project can feel proud of the work they’ve done.”
Despite a roller-coaster of a season last year for Pastor Maldonado, the Venezuelan driver is preparing to begin his third season in Formula 1 and can no longer be regarded as a rookie. The 27-year-old is adamant both he and Williams can continue to remain competitive throughout 2013, and is aiming to return the Grove-based outfit back to their rightful spot atop the rostrum.
“Starting my third season with Williams is important for both myself and the team.” Said Pastor Maldonado, “We’ve been working hard to develop the car and improve our performance. Last year we won a race and were competitive, but this season we must be even more competitive which I believe is possible. Consistency will be our aim to close the gap to the teams in front. Being part of the Williams family is very special as a driver and I want to thank Frank for not only giving me the opportunity to drive for him, but also to deliver a win. My goal is to help take the team back to the top.”
Whilst Pastor Maldonado aims to return to the top, his new team-mate for 2013 is eagerly anticipating making his debut at Melbourne next month. Former GP3 Champion and Williams reserve driver Valtteri Bottas will replace Bruno Senna at the outfit this season, in doing so becoming the ninth Finn to become a Formula 1 driver. Due largely to his knowledge of the FW34 thanks to his reserve driver duties, Bottas already believes the team has improved with their new car.
“It feels great to now be promoted to race driver with Williams this season.” Said Valtteri Bottas, “It’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of training, meeting with my engineers and working in the simulator in preparation; so I feel ready. We know we have improved our car from last season but I am looking forward to seeing how it compares on track. We have a busy test programme ahead but I’m really excited. The moment the start lights go out in Melbourne is a moment I have been building towards my whole career.”
After a sensationally competitive 2012 season, Williams are already aiming to emulate such success in what is already tipped to be another incredibly exciting season of Formula 1 racing. The Grove-based outfit have a formidable driver pairing who know how to win races and Championships, and therefore will be well prepared for the competitiveness that will await them next month.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
Susie Wolff Declares Williams Loyalty
Susie Wolff has declared loyalty to Williams, after her husband Toto Wolff’s switch to Mercedes from the Grove-based outfit. Although Toto Wolff will become the Executive Director of Mercedes, Susie Wolff has expressed via Twitter that she will remain with Williams as their development driver.
Amid several personnel changes within the Formula 1 paddock, which have included Toto Wolff’s switch to Mercedes and Timo Glock’s surprise departure from Marussia, Susie Wolff has declared her loyalty to Williams despite rumors the 30-year-old could follow her husband to Mercedes. However, Susie Wolff has confirmed via the social networking site Twitter that she will remain with Williams throughout the forthcoming season, as she continues to work as the team’s development driver.
“Just to clarify, I am a proud member of the Williams F1 Team,” insisted Susie Wolff via Twitter. “There was never any question of me leaving. Very happy for my husband, we will be fighting him hard on track!
Despite Toto Wolff’s departure from Williams, the Grove-based outfit will still be hopeful of another competitive season in 2013. Pastor Maldonado will start his third season at the outfit alongside rookie Valtteri Bottas, as the duo aim to continue fighting at the sharp-end of the order. The new Williams FW35 will be unveiled later than the majority of the other teams on the grid, prior to the second pre-season test at Barcelona on February 19th.
Picture Copyright © Williams F1 Team
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