For the first time in 2019 the ROKiT Williams team would see a double DNF in the 2019 Russian GP. George Russell would retire after crashing after a failure on his car that saw the front left wheel lockup ending up seeing him crashing into the barrier. For Robert Kubica his retirement from the race would be the centre of much comment as the team would retire his car on the basis of what was found out later to be a desire to conserve parts on his car. There was discuission after the race as to whether this meant parts relating to the chassis or the engine. Regardless of the circumstances it was a difficult race for the team as they continue with their frustrating 2019 season.
ROKiT Williams Racing Russian GP
Race Review
Race Notes
• George Russell and Robert Kubica did not finish the Russian Grand Prix
• The Brit started 17th and Robert 18th on the grid, both on the medium
Pirelli tyre
• George’s race ended after locking-up and hitting the barrier, whilst
Robert’s retirement was a team decision to conserve parts ahead of the
upcoming races
Robert Kubica:
"This weekend has been very disappointing. You always have to try
your best with what you have, and this is what I was trying to do. After
George’s DNF, the team decided to stop my car, to take care of the parts
that we have on the car. We are not in an easy situation and Japan is
around the corner."
George Russell:
"It was a disappointing Russian Grand Prix. The car was feeling
good, and then all of sudden after the pitstop there was an issue and
the next thing I knew, I was in the barrier. It was a shame for the race
to end like that as we were showing some strong pace."
Dave Robson, Senior Race Engineer:
"Today was tough and deeply frustrating for the whole team. We took the
opportunity behind the early safety car to pit Robert twice aiming to
complete his race using only Option tyres. Meanwhile we were able to
leave George out and run long until a Virtual Safety Car provided an
opportunity for a cheap pit stop on to the Qualifying tyre.
Unfortunately, an issue shortly after the subsequent restart caused
George to lock a front wheel, damaging the car further. We opted to
retire Robert soon afterwards in order to conserve parts ahead of the
intense flyaway races which end the season. It’s a very disappointing
way to end two weeks on the road."
Track: Sochi Autodrom, Russia
Lap Length: 5.848 km / 3.633 miles
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