Williams personnel affected by overnight fire at team hotel

(Williams Martini Racing Team)

Four members of Williams Martini Racing were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at the team hotel in the earlier hours of Friday morning. 

In incident resulted in the hotel being evacuated and as a result the team members affected got two hours sleep as they then had to travel to the Hockenheim circuit to prepare their cars for the opening day of track action ahead of Sunday's German Grand Prix.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams said she was extremely proud of her team for their professionalism as no sooner had they arrived at the circuit then they were in the pit-lane practicing pit-stops. The four team members were treated and were soon back working at the circuit.

On the track today, the Grove based outfit did a great job as Felipe Massa finished the opening session in 11th place while Susie Wolff completed her programme for the morning completing 22 laps on her way to finishing the session in 15th place. In the second session, Felipe Massa finished in 6th place while Valtteri Bottas finished the session in 10th place.

The Finn will be hoping to build on his recent run of podium finishes while Massa is in search of his first podium for the Williams team.

© Ben Johnston 2014