Objectives for points for Williams in Shanghai

The Williams team scored their first points of the season in Malaysia thanks to Bruno Senna’s 6th place finish. But even though this showed that the FW34 is competitive, Mark Gillan, the chief operations engineer, believes that China will be a full-scale test for the Grove team’s car: « Having secured our first points of the season in Malaysia with what is a competitive and much improved car, the team is eager to get to Shanghai as soon as possible. The circuit characteristics are tough on the tires. The track will offer a severe test for the FW34 and will be a good indication of our improvement in tire management compared to last year. Pirelli is bringing the Mediums and Softs. »

Optimism is essential for Pastor Maldonado. The Venezuelan driver believes he has a good car and the goal for China is to keep improving and score points: Shanghai is one of my favorite circuits so I’m really looking forward to the race. The circuit has a nice combination of low and medium-speed corners and nice sequences that are fun to drive. It is also very demanding because it is difficult to stay close to the car in front to take advantage in the long DRS zone. We have shown that we had a good pace in the first two races and hope that we can continue to improve and score some points.

Bruno Senna agrees with Maldonado. The Brazilian driver is pleased with the performance of the FW34, and even if he will have to get used to the Shanghai International Circuit again, his goal is to continue his momentum from Malaysia: « The car is working well and showing good pace, so I am confident about our chances in China. I haven’t raced there for two years, so I’ll have to work hard to relearn the circuit, but I have good memories of the track as there is a beautiful sequence of high and low-speed corners and great overtaking opportunities. I had a good race in Malaysia, and hopefully, I can continue this momentum in Shanghai. »

Mark Gillan does not expect the layout to strain the FW34 because it is not a difficult circuit for the key components of a single-seater: « Even if we reach very high speeds, the impact on the brakes is rather medium to low and most other indicators will not be put to too much of a test. »

On the other hand, he expects a rather eventful race, as the rain could disrupt the weekend: « The time lost in the pit lane is high, as is the risk of a safety car deployment, about one intervention per race. The weather can also be very unpredictable in Shanghai with big temperature swings and rain risks – although it won’t be as dramatic as what we saw in the last race in Kuala Lumpur! »