Productive day for the rejuvinated Williams team
The first test day of the season and for the new FW32 has come to an end without any significant issues aside from a throttle software problem. On today's agenda was initial systems, performance and reliability checks with Rubens Barrichello on track. Most noticeable though was that Barrichello's fastest lap, 1:14.449, was almost two full seconds off of Felipe Massa's best of 1:12.574.
Sam Michael, Technical Director: "It was a productive first day testing, with the car completing 75 laps in total. Considering everything is new, in particular the Cosworth engine installation, it was good to get through the day without any major problems. We did have a minor software issue with the throttle control towards the end of the session, but that is easily sorted out for tomorrow. We are well underway with set-up work now and tuning the FW32 around the new Bridgestone tyres.
Rubens Barrichello: "I enjoyed today, it was like a first day at school! You can’t predict anything from the times today; and probably won’t be able to for the remainder of the tests because of the fuel loads people will run with such big tanks. It probably won’t be until Bahrain qualifying that we will see where everyone is. We are working on improving the balance of the car, but it’s running reliably, despite the small issue with the throttle. As everything is new, it was a good day."
