Williams completes successful Valencia Test

The AT&T Williams team completed their four day test at the Valencia circuit. The team would unveil the new FW30 and they would complete a successful debut for the 2008 model. The FW30 would be driven by all three team drivers with few problems been encountered. The team would also use a FW29B which was on hand to focus on reliability issues.

The opening day of the test would see test driver Nico Hulkenberg been given the responsibility of shaking down the FW30. Apart from having to cope with the fog and a minor off the first day went without drama.

The following days would see both Nico Rosberg and team-mate Kazuki Nakajima and getting behind the wheel of the FW30 both showing that the new model, based on initial runs, both proved to be on the pace. The team would complete both short and longer runs and they started the process of getting to grips with the technicalities of the new car.

The final day of running at the Valencia circuit would see Kazuki driving the FW30. He would complete one hundred and sixteen laps, finishing with the fourth fastest time of the day with a 1m:11.971s. This was eight-tenths off the quickest time of the day.

Next week will see the team move to Barcelona where both Nico and Kazuki will each have a new FW30.

Team Quotes:
Williams F1 Technical Director Sam Michael:
"This week marked the initial test for the FW30 and it was a good beginning from a reliability and performance point of view. The car completed a full non-stop race simulation on only its second day of testing with Nico Rosberg and covered over 1,400kms during the four days. After Nico Hulkenberg shook the car down on Monday's installation day, Nico Rosberg carried out the initial set-up and reliability work and Kazuki took over for the last day to work on long runs and some set-up items. The test team are now moving on to Barcelona where Nico Rosberg and Kazuki will drive two FW30s."

Nico Rosberg:
"Firstly, I need to thank all of the people in the factory for their hard work in getting the car ready. It's always special to finally get to test the new car. It was a positive start for us, particularly as we completed a race distance with the FW30 on its debut without any problems. It is quite different to last year's car in many ways so it will be very important that we make the most of the upcoming tests to try and extract its full potential."