Formula One news

Williams hopeful after strong practice

Williams had a productive free practice today, steadily working through a comprehensive set-up programme for Sunday's European Grand Prix. The team covered over 500 kilometres of the mighty Nürburgring, gaining valuable set-up data for what could be a lottery qualifying session and race. 

"It wasn't easy to find the right set-up today," said Rosberg. "It was especially difficult in the afternoon because it was very windy and the rain before the session took a lot of the rubber off the track. I'm not completely happy with the car, but we tested a lot of options and we've definitely learnt a few things. We therefore have some good ideas on how we can improve it in time for tomorrow's qualifying. Tyre-wise, this weekend could be very interesting because the weather is making the selection very hard."

Alex Wurz commented, "The Nürburgring weather made it all a bit different today. Everyone was running varying programmes, including me, just because we had to react to the weather forecast. We had an interesting day, going through a lot of data. Everything was ok, but I'm a little bit upset because I lost half a second on my fastest lap due to a problem in the last corner. Anyway, all in all, I feel pretty comfortable on this track."

Technical director Sam Michael added, "It was a good practice today, especially considering the wet weather in the early part of the second session. We worked through our programme; looking at different tyre options, cooling and race set-up. We also evaluated through three new tyres in the morning as we were aware of the risk of rain in the afternoon and had to make sure we had a tyre compare. Overall, we've achieved what we wanted to and now have all the information needed to make sure we are prepared for qualifying and the race."

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• 11 Oct.
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  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
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  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
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  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
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• 09 Oct.
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  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
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  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go

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