• Williams news

Williams tyre results 'compromised' at Jerez

Williams had hoped to learn more about the new Pirelli tyres at the first test © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Valtteri Bottas

• Teams:
• Williams

Williams technical director Mike Coughlan admitted the team's tyre testing results had been "a little compromised" at Jerez.

While the other ten teams had launched new cars in time for the first test, Williams decided to delay the launch of its 2013 car - the FW35 - until Barcelona in order to gather tyre data at Jerez. However, with even Pirelli admitting that the track surface was too abrasive compared to any circuits that will be visited this year, Coughlan said the tyre work was an area where Williams had been less successful this week.

"We have had a very good four days in Jerez running the FW34," Coughlan said. "We have gone through a complete programme testing various parts that will be used on the FW35. This compliments our current philosophy of using rigs to pass off systems before running them on the car.

"The drivers have enjoyed themselves running through tyre comparisons and set-up changes that you would be reluctant to do at a race meeting due to time constraints. Although these results have been a little compromised by the very aggressive nature of the track surface here, we have acquired some useful data to carry forward. We now look forward to the next test in Barcelona and the launch of the FW35."

Despite the tyre issues, Valtteri Bottas - who drove on the final two days - said he was pleased with the way he had integrated with the team as a race driver.

"It's been a good four days of testing for us and I've really enjoyed the last two days in particular when I've been driving the car," Bottas said. "We have achieved everything we planned this week without any issues, and I've really liked how the new technical team have been working. We collected some valuable data regarding some parts for the new car and now I'm excited to go to Barcelona to drive the FW35 for the first time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.