Williams

Williams has "a few ideas" to improve the FW43 for Sochi

The team is anticipating another difficult weekend in Russia

Sam Hall

Wednesday 23 September 2020 15:51

Williams head of vehicle performance Dave Robson is confident the team has "a few ideas" to limit the damage anticipated at this weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

Although closer on pace to the midfield than in 2019, Williams has been unable to capitalise on the misfortune of others this season and remains the only team yet to score a point.

Drivers Nicholas Latifi and George Russell have both come close, with the Canadian finishing 11th in Austria and Italy, while the Briton equalled that result last time out in Mugello.

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Despite these recent near misses, Robson expects a far tougher experience in Russia as the Sochi Autodrom is not expected to suit the FW43, although at least feels the team has options.

"In complete contrast to Mugello, there are no real high-speed corners in Sochi, but instead a lot of low and medium speed 90-degree corners," said Robson.

"The FW43 is not especially well suited to this kind of corner, but we have a few ideas to improve the car in this regard and so we will have a busy Friday [in practice]."

Reflecting on the "excitement" of recent races, Robson added: "We enjoyed a very good weekend in Mugello but were very disappointed not to score any points.

"However, there were a lot of positives to come out of the last race weekend and our job here in Russia is to continue the good work, build on the momentum and understand how to apply the experience to the streets of Sochi.

"Traditionally we have found the tyres difficult to get working on the smooth surface, however, this year Pirelli have brought their softest compounds, and this may make things easier as well as opening up a greater variety of strategies on Sunday."

Russell also feels Sochi will prove problematic but, like Robson, is hoping a few recent indicators will at least ease the expected downsides.

"Russia is a circuit that on paper won’t suit us as much as Mugello," said Russell. "But we have learnt some things with the set-up in the recent weeks that I hope will allow us to be more competitive with our nearest rivals."

Before you go...

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