(Williams Martini Racing Team)
The Williams Martini Racing Team head to Malaysia for this
weekend’s second race of the 2015 Formula One season hoping to continue their
points scoring run of 21 Grand Prix in a row.
Felipe Massa started the season off in fantastic fashion by
starting the Australian Grand Prix from third place on the grid. The Brazilian
was the only Williams driver on the grid however as team mate Valtteri Bottas
was forced to sit out the race as the Finn suffered a back injury following
qualifying and was unable to race.
The Finn had qualified for the race in sixth place. Massa
went on to finish the race in fourth place just ahead of former Williams team
mate Felipe Nasr in the Sauber.
Speaking ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix
Massa stated:
‘Malaysia is always very hot and very
humid, so very difficult physically for the drivers. The car also has its
challenges as the temperature plays its part, so our cooling is very important.
The rain is an issue as it always rains at the time of day when the race
is, but we will be prepared for it. I have trained very hard in the heat
just for this race and cardio has been important.’
Valtteri Bottas will undergo the mandatory FIA medical
checks on Thursday and has travelled to Malaysia for the race and Williams are
working with the Finn to ensure that he will be fit to participate in the
event.
Speaking ahead of the race Bottas, who finished last year’s
Malaysian Grand Prix in eighth place stated:
‘As always, Malaysia is a very hot and
humid race, and although these aren't the ideal conditions for the car we
have had some exciting races in Sepang over the years. There is also always a
risk of rain which we have to be aware of, but it brings some more spice
in the suspense. After Melbourne I have stayed in Asia to acclimatise to
the hot conditions and adjust to the right time zone. I trained a lot over the
winter to prepare for these physically difficult conditions. After such a
frustrating Sunday in Australia, I have taken the necessary measures to
make sure I arrive in Malaysia fit to race and ready to bring the results home.’
Williams appear to be the fastest outfit behind reigning
world champions the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. The Grove based outfit have
confirmed that their car is a par with the Mercedes works team when it comes to
their Mercedes power unit. A lot of teams have called for the FIA to step in to
allow the other team’s to close the gap to Mercedes.
It is clear however that Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team have
just done a better job in getting to grips with the new regulations and this is
evident following their dominant season last year. Speaking ahead of the
Malaysian Grand Prix, Williams Martini Racing Team’s Rob Smedley stated:
‘We are heading to Malaysia after a good
start to the season, very much in a position to be finishing with
both cars scoring good points. We have been working hard on all areas of
performance and to close up any margins we had in Australia. Sepang is one
of the first of the Herman Tilke circuits and the drivers like it as it
includes fast corners and overtaking opportunities. The ambient conditions
always play quite a big part in the weekend and the drivers have to be
ready for those challenges. The circuit itself starts off with quite a lot of
front graining and finishes being rear limited during the race. As it is a
purpose built circuit we should be able to see more of the strengths of
the FW37 and it should suit us a bit better.’
© Ben Johnston 2015
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