Engine change for Maldonado
Just like all the other Formula One outfits, the Williams F1 Team used the first day of practice to do some familiarisation runs of the new Buddh International Circuit. The team had a hard day of work as they had to change the engine of Pastor Maldonado's car.
Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer: "This is a new circuit so the main purpose today was to familiarise ourselves with it. In spite of some challenges, both drivers completed their full Friday race preparation and tyre programme."
Rubens Barrichello: "It was nice to get to know the Buddh circuit today. We obviously encountered the dirt, like everyone else, and quite normal for a new circuit. We don’t know where we stand at the moment because the track is evolving all the time, but hopefully we will have a good qualifying tomorrow."
Pastor Maldonado: "I would like to thank the mechanics for working so hard to change engines in time for this afternoon’s session. The balance of the car seems ok and I am confident we will have a good race pace. Tyre degradation isn’t that high, but we will have to look at our strategy as the hard option tyre isn’t the best fit with our package."
