Sam Michael wants faster Williams

After average qualifications, with a 13th place for Nico Hulkenberg and an 18th place for Rubens Barichello, Sam Michael is looking for new developments to bring to the car de Williams which he still finds too slow compared to the rest of the peloton. The technical director would particularly like to see his drivers start further forward on the starting grid.

« Rubens's two points (Baricello) are a good result given his place on the grid,” Michael said. “ But our performance was insufficient in Spain and we must continue to look for ways to improve. » The technical director discusses the developments made to the FW32. “ We made a series of updates to both cars before the Barcelona GP. It was tested by Rubens during free practice on Friday and the Grove-based team worked hard to provide the necessary equipment for Nico's car during qualifying. »

However, the developments made to the FW32 have been numerous with a new diffuser, a new gearbox, a corrected front wing, and new mirrors adapted to the changes in the regulations.

However, the two drivers did not feel the expected effects of these developments, with an average qualification of the two cars condemning Williams to a race in the middle of the pack, the Barcelona track being renowned for being a circuit where it is difficult to exceed.

« Rubens' car was damaged during qualifying, » commented Sam Michael. “ When he returned, the front and rear wings, the rollbar, the suspensions and even the helmet were damaged. » Hülkenberg also suffered damage to his car during his second run in Q1 after hitting a curb. “ We were unable to measure the impact on the aerodynamic downforce. »

The Williams will have to improve in qualifying between now and Monaco to get a good result on this circuit. The Principality Grand Prix requires starting from the front to gain big points at the finish, with overtaking attempts being very risky on this circuit.