Australia GP – Full steam ahead for Williams!

The Williams team is back on track with Nico Rosberg, who is entering his third season as a race driver and who accepted a long-term contract with the British team over the winter.

Kazuki Nakajima will line up alongside Rosberg and will almost make his debut in Formula 1. Almost, because the Japanese driver had to step in on short notice to replace Wurz, who retired, for the last race of the 2007 season. For him, this 2008 season is a crowning achievement as he moves from his role as a test driver last year to become a full-time driver in the top category of motorsport.

Williams can start this season with confidence because, after the performances of Ferrari and other McLaren teams, it is indeed this team that impressed during the winter tests with its FW30.

Nico Rosberg – racing driver

« Regarding the race, I can’t wait to be on the starting grid. There is a good chance that Williams will be stronger at Albert Park in 2008 compared to last year.

« Saturday’s qualifying session will be the moment of truth for all teams. The performances achieved during the free practice sessions will reveal if a team has been bluffing by carrying little fuel. I hope to have a good race this weekend and maybe score a certain number of points. Achieving 100% reliability will be difficult this season, but we are in good shape. »

Kazuki Nakajima – racing driver

This first race of the season arrived quicker than I had thought, I am obviously very happy to make my debut in Formula 1 for a full year. We worked hard during the winter, the tests were essential for the team’s good preparation, but now it is excited to be back in the race.

« Melbourne is a street circuit, the track will be very slippery when we do our first laps, but all this should be sorted out by Saturday. The circuit is a combination of slow and medium-speed corners with also some high-speed sections. I feel like I have done enough testing, so now it’s time to race!

Sam Michael – Technical Director

« The first race of the year is always an exciting moment for everyone. There is a great buzz among the teams because it allows them to see where each stands in terms of performance compared to the others. Between the last race of 2007 and the first of 2008, the tests provide an indication, but it’s not a solid benchmark. »

« As for the track, Melbourne is a street circuit. This particularity requires special attention, especially in terms of mechanics and car setup. The goal is to make the most of the Bridgestone tires. »

Nico and Kazuki have prepared well for the upcoming season, just like the car which has covered thousands of kilometers during winter testing to ensure greater reliability in races.