Albon: There is still a lot to be done to optimize the FW46

Williams does not deny that they had problems during pre-season testing. The team has not yet been able to find a solution for the new FW46 car, but expects this to improve in the first phase of the season in Bahrain.

Dave Robson, Chief Race Engineer: “Last week we spent three days testing the FW46 and now we return to Bahrain for the first race of the season. This is not to say that the pre-season testing went smoothly, but we were able to eliminate the identified problems and on the final day the car was running well.

Even though we traveled less than planned on the first day, we still collected enough information on the remaining days. We analyzed it to evaluate the correlation of the data and select settings that would allow us to get the most out of the machine.

Both drivers did a good job during the tests and assessed the car during fast laps and long distances. Both have greatly expanded their understanding of the FW46. And although there is still a lot of work to be done, they know what adjustments are needed to get more out of the car.

The first training will be held under very warm conditions and will therefore not be particularly representative of qualifying and the race. We plan to run some tests during the first session and then work with the settings again in the second session, which will take place in cooler conditions.

Pirelli chose the toughest compound for the first stage, which should be well suited to the abrasive asphalt of Sakhir. As always, monitoring tire wear will be crucial during the race, so we will have to work on this issue all weekend.”

Alex Albon: “The tests were not the easiest for the team, but we made progress. There is still a lot to be done to optimize the car, so we spent a few days between testing and the first phase learning about the car and the aspects that need to be worked on.

We have a few ideas that we want to test during the first training. We will do our best to get the best out of the car this weekend.”

Logan Sargent: “The tests are over, but I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW46 again and drive the first race of the season. Of course everyone would like to see more testing days, but the team did everything we could during these three days: we made progress.

Now it’s time to apply what you’ve learned and get the car into its optimal range before qualifying. I hope the team starts the season with a positive result.”