Williams young driver test report day 1

Driver: Dean Stoneman
Chassis / engine: FW32-01 / CA221
Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. 5.554km / 3.451 miles
Objectives: Aero testing, baseline and familiarisation runs
Weather: Warm with some cloud
Air & track temps: 33oC / 29oC

Tom McCullough, Senior Test Engineer
Dean Stoneman was in the cockpit today for the first day of the young driver test. We did aero work this morning, from which we've accumulated useful data. Dean used the afternoon to familiarise himself with the car and put some times on the board. He went quicker every lap he completed, worked well with his engineers and overall did a professional job for the team. We're impressed by him. Tomorrow, Pastor Maldonado will drive the Williams and we will spend the day continuing our aero tests.

Dean Stoneman
That was slightly different to what I'm used to! It's a big step up from a Formula 2 car, particularly the difference in aero. It was good to start off with some speed-limited aero work as it allowed me to build up to doing quicker laps in the afternoon. Towards the end of the day, I just kept pushing to see where the limit of the car is and where I could improve my times around the lap. Today was a great experience and the team have been really supportive. It's also been a major opportunity for me. To be given the chance of driving a Formula One car doesn't come around that often, so I feel very privileged.

AT&T Williams will be back on track tomorrow, Wednesday 16 November, when Pastor Maldonado will drive the FW32 for the second day of the young driver test.

-source: williams