In what is the final race of the 2023 Formula One season the Williams Racing Team moves to the Yas Marina circuit for the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP. Coming off the disappointing performance of Las Vegas the team is hoping to be able to again see an improved performance from the FW45 as they continue to fight for the seventh place in the Constructors Championship. For both Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant they also go into the weekend with that goal in mind. For Alex his FP1 session will see him replaced by rookie Zak O'Sullivan, taking part in the required rookie test. At the end of the weekend it is hoped that Williams can come away with the important seventh place in the championship, which will mark a major positive change in the fortunes of the team compared to previous years.
Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance:
The 2023 season ends this weekend in the familiar setting of Abu Dhabi.
There has been some resurfacing at several corners but otherwise the
track remains unchanged following some major reprofiling a couple of
years ago.
The afternoon sessions of FP1 and FP3 take place in the warmer
conditions and are less useful than the key evening FP2 session. Zak
O’Sullivan will drive Alex’s car in FP1, which will give him some
valuable F1 experience and give us some new feedback about the
performance of FW45. Alex will return for FP2.
Our main objective this weekend is to complete the last of the testing
that can inform the final development path of FW46. Simultaneously, we
will be looking to secure 7th place in the Championship. Whilst we will
need to watch what our rivals are up to, our best form of defence will
be attack and we will simply be looking to maximise the performance of
FW45 and to complete the season with the best race result that we can.
Logan
Sargeant:
I’m looking forward to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The aim is to
finish the season strong with the team and keep hold of P7 in the
Championship. Yas Marina Circuit is one I know well from my previous
experiences in single seaters. Hopefully we can build throughout the
weekend and have a positive result.
Alex
Albon:
As we head into the last race of the year, we have a clear goal and
objective to achieve with the Constructors’ Championship. It’s going to
be an interesting race; it’s not always been our favourite track but
with this updated layout over the past few years, it does suit us a
little more than before. We’ll just need to ensure we stay focused on
executing our job and not making any mistakes.
Zak
O'Sullivan:
I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the FW45 in FP1 in Abu
Dhabi. To have this opportunity so early in my career is fantastic, and
I cannot wait to get my first taste of the latest generation of F1 cars.
Huge thanks to Williams Racing for facilitating this. It’s going to be
great working with the team, Alex and Logan throughout the weekend.
Race Data Friday:
Practice 1: 13:30 - 14:30
Practice 2: 17:00 - 18:00 Saturday:
Practice 3: 14:30 - 15:30
Qualifying: 18:00 – 19:00 Sunday: Race: 15:00
Abu Dhabi GP: Williams Racing Grand Prix Preview
Posted by: Williams F1 (IP Logged)
Date: 22/11/2023 23:23
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