Williams looking to step up at Japanese

October, 5th, 2011 (F1plus Team).- Team Williams has had a rough season so far, but even them they are still optimistic about the remaining races, including the Japanese Grand Prix of this weekend.

The Grove-based team understands the challenge on a circuit which demands superb aerodynamics conditioning, something that FW33 cannot show off as its forte. Despite this, the squad is still aiming for top ten results with both Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado as Formula 1 returns to Suzuka.

Last race in Singapore helped Maldonado to prove his value with meritorious eleventh (11th), but it also proved the lack of strength in its car since no much he could have done to achieve that valuable 10th place for the points.

“The Suzuka layout leads to very high average cornering speeds and energy input into the tyres, but it is light on brakes,” explains Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer for Williams, with Technical Director Sam Michael having now left the team.

“Our levels of understanding regarding the driveability issues of the FW33 have increased significantly since Singapore and we are currently working hard to optimize the setup and improve the car going into the Japanese Grand Prix.

“We obviously need to ensure that the car operates in the optimal aerodynamic window - this is fundamental to maximizing our performance and we aim to be fighting for a points finish with both cars.”

The drivers are usually happy to race at Suzuka given its fast turn and the complexity of the track, which exhilarates them. Rubens Barrichello commented: “…the Suzuka Circuit is a real drivers’ circuit. The esses, behind the pit area, are my favorite part of the circuit.”

Maldonado expectations are high and he projects eagerness to deliver, especially in a unknown track to him. “There is a fantastic combination of corners and the first sector looks quite difficult. I think it will become one of my favorite tracks as it is quite quick and I like tracks like that.” The Venezuelan said.