Sam Michael says new exhaust system will be tested in Rubens car
Williams’ Technical Director, Sam Michael, has hoped for a race finish in the Chinese Grand Prix after installing a new exhaust system in Rubens Barrichello’s car.
Sam commented that the target is to at least finish the race in the first ten positions in the Cosworth powered car, FW33.
Williams had a bad start to their 2011 season campaign because both of their drivers, Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado, are yet to see a chequered flag.
Sam hopes of some change in the Williams performance in the Chinese Grand Prix. “We are still aiming for a top ten qualifying performance and to get some points on the board in Shanghai”.
“It hasn't been a good start to the season for us, as we are yet to finish a race where we belong, but I'm hoping the upgrade will help us to move forward”, added Sam, summing up their 2011 season so far.
Rubens showed good competitiveness in the Australian Grand Prix when he did 48 laps in his FW33 before facing a technical issue after which, he got retired. In the Malaysian Grand prix, Rubens didn’t have a great start as he was back in the pits in the first
lap, after he punctured his rear tyre.
Rookie driver, Maldonado has yet to put up a good show because he has only completed 17 laps in the first two races of the 2011 season.
Williams’ team has shown some good speed as both of their drivers have qualified ahead of Virgin’s and HRT’s drivers in both races. Williams’ team are currently eleventh on the constructor’s table, below their rival team, Virgin.
Sam Michael commented that the reliability of the car is a major issue but the speed is good because both cars have qualified in higher grid positions.
The Free Practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix will be contested on April 15, 2011, and Williams’ team will have only 4 hours to personalise their FW33’s.
The new exhaust system will hopefully bring some change in the performance of the Williams’ team.
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