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Williams taking Data Driven Approach 2018 driver selection

By StuartL
October 5 2017

 
 Williams taking Data Driven Approach 2018 driver  
  Selection
 

The news that is emerging about forthcoming Williams test sessions at Silverstone and Hungaroring gives us clarity that Williams has the opportunity to taka a data driven (rather than sentiment or intuitive approach) to selecting its lead driver for 2018.

With Williams having the only available forward midfield team seat still available for 2018, the team finds itself in the position of having a long list of at least 5 to drive alongside Lance Stroll. The team of course has four years worth of data on Felipe Massa, and has the choice of keeping the Brazilian for a 5th successive season or choosing one of Robert Kubica, Pascal Wehrlein, Jolyon Palmer, or 2017 Williams reserve driver Paul Di Resta.

By laying on the tests in the 2014 car the team can gather key data to judge Roberts speed, consistency and physical condition some 7 years since he was badly injured rallying. This data of course allows the team to make judgements and reassure sponsors that the end selection is benchmarked, and if the team does change drivers the change is driven by more than gut feel.

Paul Di Resta gets his chance as the benchmark baseline relative to Robert, and if Paul emerges materially faster there is a prospect he can move from outside chance to tighter odds for the seat. Having said that in sponsors minds there must be an adjustment that Paul is not quite 'box office' against Felipe or Robert.

What is clear is this process is going to happen during the middle of October and there must be a prospect of the end driver selection being announced before Felipe arrives in Brazil for the penultimate race of the season.

As a supporters forum here, we should be pleased that this data driven approach of thorough testing gives the team the best chance of having the fastest available driver for 2018, subject to the usual commercial considerations.

 

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Williams taking Data Driven Approach 2018 driver selection
Discussion started by Williams F1 , 05/10/2017 09:03
Williams F1
05/10/2017 09:03
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