Belgian GP: Williams Friday practice notes

After heavy rain yesterday, the bad weather cleared today allowing the first and second Free Practice sessions of the Belgian Grand Prix to run in dry conditions. Antonio Pizzonia set the 7th time while team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya was 10th fastest.

Antonio Pizzonia:

"We had fairly good sessions today and for sure it's good it didn't rain so that we could complete our usual programme for a Friday, i.e. tyre evaluation and set-up preparation for the race. I drove an F1 car here for the first time today and it is quite different. With other cars, there were several corners where I would easily go flat out, but conditions are not the same now, since speed is much higher!"

"I'll get used to it, I am sure, but I need some time. Also, going through Eau Rouge is good, it's quite exciting, as I was expecting. I am sure everyone is taking it flat out. Anyway, there's more to come from the car and a lot more to come from me as well."

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"Not a satisfying day for me because I am not still happy with the balance of my car. It definitely improved a lot from this morning, as the car became much more predictable to drive and more stable at the end of the first session. I hope to have some more dry running tomorrow which will help us to get the car right for qualifying."

Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1):

"We have had a reasonable day today. We had no mechanical problems and worked through all of our programme on tyres and brakes. The choice for the tyre compound is going to be difficult. That is what we will have to look at tonight. The rain held off today but it looks like it could be wet tomorrow morning. In any case, it is challenging to find the balance between high speed and low speed set-up here in Spa."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"It is really nice to see the Formula One cars back here on this beautiful circuit. We have had a proper first day of practice, with the usual focus on set-up and tyre evaluation. Both drivers achieved progress in both areas. Antonio has gave a good performance, given it is his first time running in an F1 car here. Engine power is especially required for the Raidillon and Blanchimont sections."

Antonio Pizzonia
Chassis: FW26 07
Practice session 1: 9th, 1:47.083
Practice session 2: 7th, 1:45.559

Juan Pablo Montoya
Chassis: FW26 05
(Spare car FW26 06)
Practice session 1: 12th, 1:47.560
Practice session 2: 10th, 1:45.678

-williams-