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In a recent
interview for autosport.com Williams F1 Deputy Team Principal Claire
Williams spoke of the new relationship with Mercedes, with the team using
the Mercedes V6 engine starting in 2014. Claire said that even in the short
time that the two parties have been working together the relationship had
her expectations.
With the switch from Renault to Mercedes engines for the 2014 Formula One
season the Williams F1 team has already had extensive dealings with the
Mercedes engine builders as they prepare their new car.
When questioned as to the early stages of what should be a long term
relationship Claire said that working with Mercedes had surpassed
expectations. "Yes, I think it has exceeded them.
"That's great because our expectations were at a very high level anyway,
which is why we chose them.
"You know how professional that operation is, and everything we have seen
since we signed that contract hasn't changed our mind."
Williams added that the fat that the Mercedes F1 engine programme is located
near the Williams F1 factory which is a great benefit when compatred to
Renault where the team had to travel to France.
Claire added
"The easiest thing for us in the whole thing is that they are just down the
road, which makes it easier when you are trying to work with them."
"Going over to France is a long trip and not necessarily conducive.
"But our engineers can dash to Mercedes countless times and they come to us.
We are really pleased."
As for who will have the best of the new group of V6 engines, whether it
will be Mercedes, Renault of Ferrari Claire said: "We are [excited], but I
don't know if anyone really knows where they are with the engines and I
don't think we will know until the first test"
"But it is going to be fascinating to see where each engine is, and I hope
the Mercedes is clearly the best in the paddock because it will help us move
forward."
It is believed
that the Mercedes engine could be one of the strongest next year. This had
helped the decision made by Felipe Massa to join the Williams F1 team.
"I think next year is a big change, especially talking about engines," he
told Sky Sports News. "Many people are really positive about Mercedes and
you hear so many good things about the engines for Mercedes in 2014 and
that's the engine we are going to use here.
"Many things will change, not just by the rules, but also by the results at
the end. For sure, big teams always have more possibilities to build a good
car, but it's a big change for everybody and maybe you can see teams that
did not have a good year in 2013 being in good shape for 2014." |
