Williams eager to forget disastrous Barcelona weekend

Formula One's Grove-based outfit Williams hopes that it can display a significantly better performance at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix after the team struggled for pace at Barcelona a few days ago.

Ahead of last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Williams had high hopes of enjoying a more successful time at Barcelona compared to its showing a year ago. However, the team struggled for pace and Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant finished the 66-lap Barcelona round down in P18 and P20 respectively.

The Thai driver suggested that the lack of downforce was the main reason for the struggles in Spain. Sporting Director Sven Smeets hopes that this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix will see Williams return to a better performance with the Red Bull Ring expected to play to the strenghts of the FW48.

"After our disappointing result in Barcelona, we are looking to return to our performance from the races before Spain. Austria will be a sprint event again, so we won't have much time to get the car in a good window before we start Sprint Qualifying on Friday evening.

"We will be using the softer range of compounds this weekend and both drivers know this circuit very well. It’s a track that should suit our car and, with the weather forecast still giving some chances of showers, we should be in a good position to fight for points this weekend.

Alex Albon echoed Smeets' words, hoping that the very different Red Bull Ring will not expose the lack of downforce of his FW48.

"As we leave Barcelona and head to Austria for the second round of the triple header, we are hoping to bounce back after a tough weekend.

"With Austria being a Sprint weekend, as well as the fact that the weather might be a factor, there will be an opportunity to achieve a good result. On paper, this track suits our car more than Barcelona so let’s see what the weekend brings," said the London-born driver.

Speaking of his expectations, Logan Sargeant noted: I'm looking forward to heading back to Austria for the second race of the triple header. It should be a better track for us than Spain, and it's always an exciting track to drive with plenty of quick corners and long straights.

"The Sprint Race will open up some extra opportunities, and it looks like some rain could affect the race on Sunday, so it's all to play for," added the American.