Belgian GP: Williams Racing Grand Prix Preview
By Williams Racing
July 26 2023
After Hungary the Williams Racing Team moves to the Spa circuit for the 2023 Belgian GP. This race will be the last prior to the F1 Summer Break. For Williams it is anticipated that the Spa circuit will suit the FW45 giving them opportunities but the weeeknd will be run under the Sprint format which will pose its own set of challenges. For Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant they are both looking forward to being at a track that will see them able to get the best out of the FW45. Does this mean a points scoring opportunity for the team, yes it does. But another factor that could add its own dramas is the weather with rain predicted for the weekend.
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Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance:
Following the ATA experiment in Hungary, we return to the Sprint Event
format for this weekend in Belgium. This means that we have just a
single practice session to set the car up ready for the unique demands
of Spa. As a result of the long lap, the drivers will get very few laps
before they enter the Friday evening qualifying session. The weather
forecast is for mixed conditions, which will only add to the pressure on
the teams.
The Spa circuit presents a great challenge, combining long straights
with significant corner sequences; the trade of downforce and drag is
difficult to optimise, especially in the wet.
Both drivers were strong last weekend at the Hungaroring and this
weekend is a good opportunity to reinforce that and continue to build
momentum as we head into the summer shutdown.
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Logan
Sargeant:
I gave it my all in Hungary throughout the 68 laps that we completed in
the race. The weekend didn’t pan out exactly how we wanted it to, but
for the most part I saw a lot of good from the weekend. Considering it
was a track that we didn’t expect to suit us, I was pretty happy with
the pace we had. It should give us a lot of motivation going to Spa. I
just need to start stringing it together a little bit better. Heading to
Spa, we have a car that should be in a better place at a track that’s
better suited for us. I’m excited and so are the team, so we should be
on for a good weekend. Hopefully we can come away with a strong result
before the summer break.
Alex
Albon:
Coming into Spa, it’s a great circuit and one of my favourites to visit.
Obviously, it’s a track that should suit us a bit more than Hungary,
however with everyone bringing upgrades this weekend, we’re in a period
where it’s difficult to know where you stand in terms of pace to our
competitors. Last year we scored a point at this circuit, so I think
we’ll have a good chance this weekend, whilst being mindful of the
weather. |
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Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 13:30 - 14:30
Qualifying: 17:00 - 18:00
Saturday:
Sprint Shootout: 12:00 - 12:44
Sprint: 16:30 - 17:00
Sunday: Race: 15:00 |
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