Formula 1

“We are looking forward to putting the FW43B through its paces at a different circuit” – Williams’ Dave Robson

2 Mins read
Image Credit : Williams Racing

After a successful 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in which both Nicholas Latifi and George Russell were competing for points, Williams Racing will be hoping that they can go even better this year and score their first points finish since the 2019 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Dave Robson – Head of Vehicle Performance is looking forward to seeing how the FW43B performs at a different circuit to the Bahrain International Circuit and after the car performed well at this event last year is optimistic of going even better with the two extra practice sessions allowing for more time to perfect both set-ups on the car.

Having spent several weeks in Bahrain, we are looking forward to putting the FW43B through its paces at a different circuit. We were pleased with our performance when we visited Imola in late October and we felt that we adapted to the challenge of a two-day event well. This year we have the opportunity to revisit this great circuit and to spend a full weekend exploring the car set-up.”

Image Credit : Williams Racing

Imola has a very fast flowing nature mixed in with some tricky corner combinations, with the conditions expected to be relatively similar to those experienced back in October of last year, the weather is unlikely to play a major part in proceedings this weekend.

“Imola is a fast, flowing circuit with some tricky corner combinations. The weather conditions should be similar to those that we encountered in October and providing it stays dry, the weather is unlikely to a major factor for the weekend.”

After a three week break between the Bahrain Grand Prix and the up and coming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the team based in Grove have brought some updates to combat the issue that caused Latifi’s retirement at Bahrain on top of this other items will be tested to see how they perform on the FW43B and adapt to a challenging circuit like Imola.

“There will be a few changes to the car this weekend mainly aimed at resolving the issue that caused us to retire Nicholas’s car in Bahrain. We also have some additional test items to try as we look to improve the characteristics of the car and to adapt it to the different challenge of Imola.”

Both drivers drove a good race last year and found a good set-up for the car to combat the challenges of the kerbs on the track. Mistakes were made last year, the most notable being Russel’s race-ending crash but Robson and the team will be looking to learn from these and put on a good show on a track that is ingrained in the Formula 1 History books.

“Both George (Russell) and Nicholas (Latifi)drove well here last year and found good set-ups to deal with the kerbs and anti-clockwise nature of the track. As a team we are all looking forward to building on the lessons learnt six months ago and putting up another strong performance at this historic venue.”

Avatar photo
144 posts

About author
FIA Formula 3 coverage for The Checkered Flag
Articles
Related posts
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix - TCF Driver of the Weekend

2 Mins read
TheCheckeredFlag Driver of the Weekend is revealed for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Team Principals are Saying after the Race

7 Mins read
The ten Team Principals reflect on drivers performances at Albert Park during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, a race that saw Ferrari claim their first win of 2024.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Drivers are Saying after the Race – Part 2

7 Mins read
Those who missed out on points in Australia reflect on their races, including Max Verstappen, who retired from a Grand Prix for the first time since the same event in 2022.