Engine problem limits Williams' tracktime

Williams endured a difficult start to the Barcelona test. After doing limited running in the morning when the track was damp, the team ran into an engine problem which was not repairable. The subsequent engine change took much of today's tracktime away.

Sam Michael, Technical Director:
We didn't have enough set-up time today. The track was moist to start and didn't start ramping up until late morning, at which point we encountered an issue with the engine. Over the break, we changed the engine and did just one proper run at the end of the session. All of our running was carried out on the medium compound tyre. Despite the downtime, we actually tested and measured quite a few aero and systems items in the background. Tonight, we will re-activate KERS in preparation for tomorrow’s running.

Rubens Barrichello:
We did some laps in the wet this morning which was good as it allowed us to get a feel for the car on intermediate tyres. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much running in the dry. I had a short run after lunch, but we had to make a precautionary engine change so my day was cut short.

Driver: Rubens Barrichello
Chassis / engine: FW33-01 / CA320 (morning) CA321 (afternoon)
Location: Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona 4.655km
Objectives: Mileage on FW33, aero testing, set-up work
Weather: Damp in morning / sunny in the afternoon
Ambient & track temps: 18ºC / 24ºC

AT&T Williams will be back on track tomorrow, Saturday 19 February, with Rubens Barrichello continuing in the FW33 for the second day of the test.