Williams believe they have made a step forward with their troublesome FW33.
Chief operations engineer Mark Gillan has taken over responsibilities from Sam Michael, who left the team after the previous race.
Gillan said: “Our levels of understanding regarding the drive-ability issues of the FW33 have increased significantly since Singapore and we are currently working hard to optimise the set-up and improve the car going into the Japanese Grand Prix.
“We obviously need to ensure that the car operates in the optimal aerodynamic window – this is fundamental to maximising our performance and we aim to be fighting for a points finish with both cars.”
Pastor Maldonado has high hopes for his first visit to the Suzuka circuit: “It will be a good experience for me as I think it is one of the most important circuits of the season.
“It is a historical track that hasn’t changed much over the years, so it will be really exciting to drive on. There is a fantastic combination of corners and the first sector looks quite difficult. I think it will become one of my favourite tracks as it is quite quick and I like tracks like that.
“I’ve never been to Japan before so I’m looking forward to getting to know the country. We need to push hard this weekend to try and improve on our last result.”
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Image © Williams/LAT
BasCB (@bascb)
3rd October 2011, 16:48
Will this mean anything more then it does when they are hopefull of a strong season after doing the first testing with the new car? I remain highly sceptic, while at the same time I hope they do get back into a real chance for a points finish.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
3rd October 2011, 18:21
I wonder if we will witness a ‘tight rear end’ in 2012.
Shudder.
Cacarella (@cacarella)
3rd October 2011, 19:00
I’m skeptical as well.
I highly doubt a points finish unless something crazy happens.
Younger Hamii (@younger-hamii)
3rd October 2011, 16:58
Lets hope we see that ‘Significant’ stepforward from Williams in Suzuka by having both cars in Q3(or at least one)
RagingInferno (@raginginferno)
3rd October 2011, 21:40
I think getting both cars into Q3 would be a bit too ambitious, though it would be nice to see after the season they’ve been having.
Fixy (@)
5th October 2011, 16:37
As Force India have improved, and Renault should be higher up than in Marina Bay, and the Saubers also might be battling for Q3, two Williams in the final session would be incredible though unlikely.
Err Bob
3rd October 2011, 17:24
I have to agree with Bas, this sounds like a new manager talk to the workforce, new broom sweeps clean and all that. Lets hope that (after a quick google CV check :-)) the Prof can get Williams back to its glory days, I for one find it heart breaking to see Sir Frank in the garage watching He`s cars go backwards.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
3rd October 2011, 18:22
While I remain sceptical, why it has taken so long for them to figure this out? Strikes me as being pretty basic, fundamental stuff.
DVC (@dvc)
4th October 2011, 0:11
That’s because they didn’t say anything.
Nico Anasto
3rd October 2011, 19:39
We’ve been hearing this for quite a long period. Williams sounds like a bad politician who has lost its ability to tell great lies. Don’t know a lot about the future but at least they should show some dignity and keep Barrichello for one more year..
JamieFranklinF1 (@jamiefranklinf1)
3rd October 2011, 20:25
I don’t think a points finish will be possible in Suzuka. Not when the Force Indias and Renaults (bar low speed tracks) have been consistently quicker.
I don’t care much for the team anyway, they may have a great history, but they have a terrible driver line-up. A washed up has(and never was)-been and an overly aggressive rookie who has yet to impress me.
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
3rd October 2011, 20:57
I would sincerely hope they’re making progress. After all, they can’t get much worse! Anyone who started watching F1 within the last few years would probably struggle to believe Williams were one of the “big 3” just a few years beforehand. I could talk about Williams all day, really. It’s so sad and there’s not a bone in my body that doesn’t want to see them back at the top soon. It’d be fantastic if they could rejoin the battle the the WCC, then we could have a “big 4”!
RagingInferno (@raginginferno)
3rd October 2011, 21:42
Maybe even a “big 5” if Mercedes up their game!
electrolite (@electrolite)
3rd October 2011, 21:45
After failing to make progress with the FW33, Williams must be really scratching their heads. At the start of the year, I was so impressed by the packaging at the rear; the car looks different, innovative – quick. It was that bad in testing either.
The experimentalism of this year’s car and taking into account what worked and what didn’t must only be a strength going into 2012 and I don’t think we should write off the FW34 yet.
electrolite (@electrolite)
3rd October 2011, 21:51
wasn’t that bad in testing*
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
4th October 2011, 2:47
Ha, words! Show me action!
capu80 (@capu80)
4th October 2011, 6:12
“We were at the cliff’s edge, and fortunately we have taken a step forward”
Uncle Bob
4th October 2011, 9:52
It’s so sad to see such a wonderful team struggling so badly…
electrolite (@electrolite)
4th October 2011, 10:53
“We obviously need to ensure that the car operates in the optimal aerodynamic window – this is fundamental to maximising our performance and we aim to be fighting for a points finish with both cars.”
Doesn’t that just mean if we set up the car correctly then we might do well?