The AT&T
Williams team completed their four day test at the Valencia circuit. The
team would unveil the new FW30 and they would complete a successful debut
for the 2008 model. The FW30 would be driven by all three team drivers with
few problems been encountered. The team would also use a FW29B which was on
hand to focus on reliability issues.
The
opening day of the test would see test driver Nico Hulkenberg been given the
responsibility of shaking down the FW30. Apart from having to cope with the
fog and a minor off the first day went without drama.
The following days would see both Nico Rosberg and team-mate Kazuki Nakajima
and getting behind the wheel of the FW30 both showing that the new model,
based on initial runs, both proved to be on the pace. The team would
complete both short and longer runs and they started the process of getting
to grips with the technicalities of the new car.
The final day of running at the Valencia circuit would see Kazuki driving
the FW30. He would complete one hundred and sixteen laps, finishing with the
fourth fastest time of the day with a 1m:11.971s. This was eight-tenths off
the quickest time of the day.
Next
week will see the team move to Barcelona where both Nico and Kazuki will
each have a new FW30.
Team Quotes: Williams F1 Technical Director Sam Michael:
"This week marked the initial test for the FW30 and it was a good beginning
from a reliability and performance point of view. The car completed a full
non-stop race simulation on only its second day of testing with Nico Rosberg
and covered over 1,400kms during the four days. After Nico Hulkenberg shook
the car down on Monday's installation day, Nico Rosberg carried out the
initial set-up and reliability work and Kazuki took over for the last day to
work on long runs and some set-up items. The test team are now moving on to
Barcelona where Nico Rosberg and Kazuki will drive two FW30s."
Nico Rosberg:
"Firstly, I need to thank all of the people in the factory for their hard
work in getting the car ready. It's always special to finally get to test
the new car. It was a positive start for us, particularly as we completed a
race distance with the FW30 on its debut without any problems. It is quite
different to last year's car in many ways so it will be very important that
we make the most of the upcoming tests to try and extract its full
potential."
Pos Driver Team Best Time Laps
1. Raikkonen Ferrari 1.11.189 88 *
2. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes 1.11.206 89 *
3. Massa Ferrari 1.11.831 96 *
4. Nakajima AT&T Williams 1.11.971 116 *
5. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1.11.994 84 *
6. Kubica BMW-Sauber 1.12.095 86 *
7. Trulli Toyota 1.12.109 96 *
8. Vettel Toro Rosso 1.12.526 113
9. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber 1.12.600 39
10. Glock Toyota 1.12.705 68 *
11. Fisichella Force India 1.12.949 93
12. Piquet Renault 1.12.973 89 *
13. Bourdais Toro Rosso 1.13.060 95
14. Webber Red Bull 1.13.133 15 *
15. Hulkenberg AT&T Williams 1.13.306 74
16. Button Honda 1.13.689 80 *
17. Kogure Honda 1.15.703 25
* 2008 Car
Please note that these times are recorded by the AT&T
Williams team and there may therefore be some
discrepancies with alternative recording methods.
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