European GP: Williams still at the top of their game?

The Williams team seems to be in top form this summer of 2009. However, Nico Rosberg, the team’s number 1 driver, has never managed to achieve a podium finish this season. He is consistently finishing in fourth place, race after race. He is therefore eager to change this as soon as possible! His preparation for this somewhat atypical Grand Prix has been intensive.

His teammate, Kazuki Nakajima, can say the same about his preparation. He has alternated the physical aspect with simulator sessions at the factory. His work with his engineers is also significant. However, something sets him apart from Rosberg; he has not managed to score any points. It’s a situation he will need to improve for his future with Williams.

Nico Rosberg – Racing Driver:

From the team’s point of view, Hungary is another positive weekend. I made a bad start and had to work hard to regain positions. It was the cars with KERS that overtook me. Before the end of the first lap, I was fifth and then moved up to fourth with the pit stop strategy. I had the opportunity to fight against Räikkönen for second place, but we made some mistakes. By getting the best out of our pace, we should be on a podium very soon.

« After a few days off, I returned home to Monaco for some special training. I covered a lot of ground on my bike on the roads and in the mountains. This will be our second trip to Valencia, and I’m looking forward to going back because the organizers have built a very nice track. Unlike what you expect from a street circuit, Valencia has a lot of turns, but they aren’t tight and winding. Everything flows quickly, and the whole lap is quite fast. Combined with the temperatures, it can be a demanding race, but I’m ready. Valencia is a nice city. The Spaniards are very enthusiastic about Formula 1. The paddock is in the port, right by the sea, so it’s a bit like Monaco, maybe not as prestigious, but a very beautiful location for a Grand Prix. »

Kazuki Nakajima – Racing driver:

« It is very difficult to start from the midfield because the performance levels are so close between the teams. If someone in front of you is heavier on fuel, it can compromise your race start. That’s what happened to me in Hungary when Jenson Button got the upper hand on me. It’s frustrating, but I know I will score points very soon. Since I wasn’t allowed into the factory due to the forced closure, I flew to Japan. »

« I’ve spent a lot of time on our simulator in preparation for Valencia since the beginning of the season, so I know the circuit very well. It’s an atypical urban layout, but you have to be very careful because sometimes the run-off areas are almost non-existent. I think the biggest challenge during the weekend will be the level of grip. »