Rubens Barrichello is targetting a top ten grid position in Barcelona after testing new aero components on his Williams in Friday practice.
Nico Hulkenberg does not have the new parts on his car this weekend and his second practice session was curtailed went he went off the track.
Williams technical director Sam Michael summarised the team’s day. “Today we evaluated some new aero parts on Rubens' car and some mechanical parts on both cars. All ran without issue and we will have some more new parts arriving tonight to test tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, Nico went off at Turn 9 this afternoon and we were unable to run his car for the remainder of the session. He's ok and the car suffered minimal damage.”
Barrichello could only manage the 15th fastest time in the afternoon session, but is not concerned by this apparent mediocrity. “Because of the way we run on Fridays, we don't look competitive, but I feel that we might be a little bit stronger here. I will keep my feet on the ground though. The goal is to get through to Q3 tomorrow.”
The Brazilian’s teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, could only finish the day 18th, and sitting in a gravel trap by the side of the track. “This morning's session was fine and the car felt pretty good,” said the German. “We made some modifications for the second session but my accident halfway through meant we didn't get much running in. I ran wide in the corner and made too much contact with the kerb causing the car to bottom out.
“It's a shame because it obviously cost us a lot of important practice time. I'm still positive about the weekend though and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.“
