Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance at Williams Racing, believes that the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend could be a much better opportunity for the team to have a better race than last time round in Singapore.
Williams suffered a double retirement finish at the Marina Bay Street Circuit last weekend, after both Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi crashed out of the race, forcing two Safety Cars in the process. However, Williams will be hoping to improve on that disappointing performance as we return to the Suzuka International Racing Course for the first time in three-years.
Robson expressed his happiness to be returning to Japan and believes the track will present a great technical challenge for both the drivers and engineers.
“Following a challenging weekend in Singapore, we are looking forward to moving on to Suzuka, which should offer a much better opportunity for the FW44. It has been a few years since we last raced here but the circuit won’t have changed too much and will still present a great technical challenge for both the drivers and the engineers.
“Overtaking is not easy in Suzuka but it is possible and the racing is always good here. The drivers will need to quickly find a rhythm, especially through the Esses, but once they have that, the laptime can improve very quickly.”
Robson also explained how the tyres picked for this weekend’s race will be the stiffest of the Pirelli range, and how Free Practice Two will be extended tomorrow as part of the 2023 tyre development programme, which will test the prototype tyres.
“The tyre compounds are from the very stiffest end of the Pirelli range, which we last used in Zandvoort. These tyres should work quite well in Suzuka, but if it is cold and damp then they will become more difficult. As part of the 2023 tyre development programme, all teams will take part in an extended FP2 session this weekend and will test candidate tyres for Pirelli. This will complicate our preparations for the race weekend a little but is important work for 2023.
“Everyone is looking forward to once again taking on the challenge of Suzuka and enjoying the amazing atmosphere in Japan.”
