Exhaust problem for Hulkenberg as Barrichello finishes 4th
The AT&T Williams team’s competitive form during this weekend’s European Grand Prix at Valencia concluded with Rubens Barrichello crossing the line in fourth place in this afternoon’s race. However, together with nine other drivers, including team mate Nico Hulkenberg, Rubens’ result remains provisional pending an investigation by the stewards.
While running in a points-paying tenth position, Nico Hulkenberg’s FW32 suffered an exhaust failure which put him out of the race on lap 50.
Rubens Barrichello: "It was great fun out there today and the car was behaving well throughout the race. We really seem to be heading in the right direction with the development of the car and I hope that this improved performance continues for the rest of the season."
Nico Hulkenberg: "It was going really well and points were definitely possible today. I was running in tenth before the safety car came out. It wasn’t good timing for me because I had called in a flat spot on my tyre half a lap earlier and wanted to pit but by then it was too late. Combined with having to stack, I really lost all my places there. When the safety car came in I couldn’t keep Alonso behind me, but after that it was quite a processional race up until something caught fire on my car. That obviously ended it for me."
Sam Michael, Technical Director: "That was a good performance today by both cars, and definitely a step forward. Unfortunately, an exhaust failure cost Nico a possible point today and we will be investigating the cause back at the factory. The team is now looking forward to its home race at Silverstone and consolidating the step in performance we’ve made with further upgrades for the FW32."
