Formula One news

Summer holidays over for Williams drivers

Williams will be heading to Spain this weekend in determined mood on the back of a strong fourth place finish for Nico Rosberg in the Hungarian Grand Prix. With a four-week gap between then and this weekend's Grand Prix of Europe, both he and team-mate Kazuki Nakajima have had time for more recreational activities.

Nico Rosberg picked up a well-deserved fourth place in Hungary

With all team factories obliged to close for a fortnight between the races in Budapest and Valencia, the duo chose to spend their time off in very different ways. "I wasn't allowed in the factory due to the enforced shutdown, which was very strange for me as I basically spend all my time there between races," said Nakajima.

"I flew home to Japan; it was a long enough trip to catch up with lots of friends in Tokyo and to spend some time with my family as well. I kept up my training, too, as cockpit temperatures tipped 60°C (140°F) in Valencia last year and I don't want any distractions this weekend."

Nakajima's first points of 2009 still elude the Japanese driver

"After the race, I spent a few days in Budapest with friends as I love the city," team-mate Rosberg continued. "We then all went on to Ibiza for a few days on the beach. From there, I went home to Monaco to do some intensive training. I covered lots of ground on the bike, on the roads and into the mountains. As I've been following the Tour de France, I think I've developed a bit of a passion for it!"

F1's return this weekend will take the teams to the East coast of Spain and the Mediterranean setting of Valencia - how do the drivers view the country's second F1 host venue of the season? "Valencia's a cool city," Rosberg said. "The Spanish are really enthusiastic about Formula One so the atmosphere is usually buzzing. The paddock is in the harbour, right next to the sea, so it's a little bit like Monaco - maybe not quite as glamorous - but a really nice location for a Grand Prix."

"I enjoyed the trip to Valencia last year and am excited about going back, more so this time round because it feels like a long time since the last race and I want to get back into my car!" Nakajima added. "I never explore much while I'm at a race as I prefer to concentrate on the job in hand but Xevi, my engineer, is Spanish so I'm sure we will head out for some local food one night."

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