Maldonado and Williams return to Barcelona, ​​a year after their victory

It was the surprise at the start of the 2012 season and it will be on everyone's minds this weekend. After qualifying in second place, Pastor Maldonado would quickly take control of the Spanish Grand Prix and never let go. After seven seasons without success, since Juan-Pablo Montoya's victory in Brazil in 2004, Williams finally found the top step of the podium. A year after this feat, the Grove team and its Venezuelan driver returned to Barcelona, ​​with a much less efficient car than last year.

“It’s very special to come back here after my victory last season”, comments Pastor Maldonado. “While all the drivers know the circuit very well and we have good data from having tested here earlier in the year, the track changes a lot so we have to familiarize ourselves with these new conditions during free practice and do the necessary adjustments. The choice of compound will also be a key factor that the teams will have to manage, the track can be tough with the tires”, continues the latest winner of this event. Before having a word on the return of the Formula 1 in Europe : “We are now entering a very important part of the season because the next races are quite close to the factory, so we will have more opportunities to react based on our performance on the track and make changes to the car ".

“The victory in Barcelona last year was a big motivation boost for everyone and was a good example of what we can achieve when everything goes well”, note on his side Valtteri Bottas, who was the reserve pilot of Grove's training last year at this same time. “We are working hard to get back to this level of competition, and after some good aerodynamic testing last week and many developments to come for this race, I hope Barcelona can be the start of an improvement in performance for us this year ", concludes the Finn.