Williams’ Head of Performance Engineering Rob Smedley says he is happy with his team’s Friday running despite struggling to set fast lap times.
Typically, Williams run a lower engine power setting and a heavier fuel load thus their times in Friday practice are usually unrepresentative.
Despite not setting competitive times, Smedley was happy to complete the programme set out at the start of the day despite the various red flags which interrupted both practice sessions.
”We have had a decent Friday. We had set ourselves an ambitious programme to complete and although the red flags hampered this slightly we are very well prepared for the weekend.
The former Ferrari engineer admitted they still need to find more time on option tyre, however, says the pace on heavier fuel was more competitive.
”We focused on the rear and front wing development during the morning and this afternoon was all about tyres. We still have a bit of time to find on the low fuel, but we know where to find this. On the higher fuel loads, we look quite competitive.
Williams’ last victory at the Belgium Grand Prix was in 1994 courtesy of Damon Hill.
