With Felipe Massa sidelined through illness, Williams Martini Racing utilised the services of their rookie driver Lance Stroll to work through a hefty work load on day one of the Hungaroring test.
Stroll completed an impressive 138 laps of the demanding Hungaroring despite not expecting to test at all, and ended the day fifth fastest of the twelve drivers who took part. As well as testing new parts on the Williams FW40, Stroll saw it as an opportunity to improve his own performance too.
“We tried some new stuff and it was good to have more time in the seat,” said the eighteen-year old Canadian. “It was warm, it was a hot day and it’s physical around here so it’s good training.”
Williams failed to score points in the recent Hungarian Grand Prix as they fell further behind their rivals Sahara Force India in the constructors’ championship but Stroll hopes Williams will have a more fruitful weekend next time out in Belgium.
“We need to see if what we tested here today works in Spa, we need more running with the new parts to see if they work but Spa should definitely suit our car with longer straights so I’m looking forward to it.”