On the back of its first 2017 podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix courtesy of Lance Stroll, Williams Martini Racing has targeted a first double-points finish of the season in Austria.
Chief technical officer Paddy Lowe has taken heart from Williams’ previous form at the Red Bull Ring – in which it has achieved two podiums since the Spielberg venue’s reinstatement to the calendar in 2014 – and hopes both Stroll and Felipe Massa can both secure top 10 finishes to aid the Grove-based outfit’s battle against Scuderia Toro Rosso in the constructors’ championship.
“We got a front-row lockout in 2014,” said Lowe, “so we hope the car should be quick once again so we can see how far towards the front we can get in qualifying.”
“After Lance’s podium and Felipe’s strong but ultimately frustrated race in Azerbaijan, we have in our sights a double-points finish this weekend. We will do our very best to achieve that.”
Lowe, who oversaw three consecutive victories with Mercedes in Austria, also waxed lyrical about the Red Bull Ring’s “picturesque” scenery and the unique challenge that it offers drivers.
“We head to the Austrian GP this weekend in the picturesque Styrian mountains. The track itself is dramatic with a lot of elevation and some interesting corners which tend to produce some great racing.
“It is very short which makes racing quite dynamic, as the cars come round pretty quickly for a fresh lap. That keeps us on our toes on the pitwall!”
