Jerez Test: 13 Feb - Productive test for Williams

The AT&T Williams team would complete their four day test at the Jerez circuit. The test would see the team further prepare the 2009 FW31, with the team working through set-up optimisation work, tyre testing, reliability and various systems checks.

All three team drivers were on hand for the test with Nico Hulkenberg opening proceedings on Tuesday, while Kazuki Nakajima carried out the bulk of the team's programme on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. Nico Rosberg would join Kazuki on Friday.

The final day would see both Nico and Kazuki complete a series of pitstop practices. Nico would complete the final days testing, completing seventy one laps. His best time was a 1m:21.217.

The four days of testing would see the team complete 404 laps, a total of 1,786.892km. The test would was overall a productive one as the team prepares for the opening race in six weeks time.

Team Quotes:
Sam Michael, Technical Director, Williams F1:
“This week we had all three drivers working on aerodynamic and mechanical set-up optimisation while also evaluating tyres for Bridgestone. The main target at the moment is to improve the balance on slick tyres, something we are all learning about as quickly as possible. We completed all of the systems, reliability and aero checks that we set out to at the beginning of the week. We finished off the test with some pitstop practice work with the race team so they could get used to all of the new equipment, and to give the drivers an opportunity to get used to pitting on slicks. It's been a productive week and we are looking forward to the next test back here in Jerez in the first week of March.”

Nico Rosberg:
“I was only out on track this afternoon as Kazuki was scheduled to do his pitstop practices this morning. I also started off with pitstop practice work, which we had no issues with which was good. I then did some normal running in the afternoon. We didn’t have much time, I only managed to do two runs of ten timed laps, but my impression of the car is still positive. We didn’t experience any technical problems so our reliability is looking good too. I’m already looking forward to the next test and getting some useful mileage in.”

Kazuki Nakajima:
“It was a good test for me this week. The weather was much better in Jerez than it was in Portugal so I actually made it out onto the race track for more than just the installation lap! Working through our pre-season programme of checks, we put a lot of mileage on the car over the two days that I was testing, I also did a race simulation. It was good to get a decent run and to be back in the cockpit again. Thanks to everyone in the team who has worked so hard preparing the FW31. It’s a positive start.”