2010: The Year of Renewal for Williams?

Like all teams that respect themselves at the start of the season, The Williams F1 Team is very confident for a 2010 season that represents a real challenge for Sir Frank Williams’ Team.

Indeed, the English team, so successful at the end of the 20th century, has seen its performance decline to the point of not having tasted victory since 2004, when Juan Pablo Montoya won the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Since then, nothing, but this year Williams presents a choice line-up, with experience represented by Rubens Barrichello, world vice-champion with a record number of Grand Prix participations and five years spent at Ferrari, and yet Rubinho is as excited as a little child at the idea of starting a new season with Williams.

I think we are strong, I am optimistic, but it is very difficult to draw a conclusion about our real place among the others. It’s going to be a fantastic season with new teams, new drivers, and new regulations.

I am so motivated with a much better physical condition than I have been at any other time. I am also really happy to be with the AT&T Williams F1 Team, I feel as if I have been here for 5 years. In terms of setup on engine reliability and handling, we have done a good job. The car has improved a lot and the team has familiarized me well with the car, stated Barichello.

At the opposite end of Barichello, his teammate, Niko Hulkneberg, the new protégé of Willy Weber and, above all, a great hope in Formula 1. Sunday will be a significant moment for the young German, a moment he has prepared for all winter.

“I’m very excited to go to Bahrain. I’ve learned a lot as a test driver for the team, which has well prepared me for the upcoming season. Working in the factory has also helped me understand the car, but it won’t make me go faster, although it will help me. The winter tests were good, having completed a good amount of mileage, we are well placed to start the season. The Cosworth engine is reliable and powerful. We have potential, but we need to wait and see where the others are. It’s going to be an exciting season, and I can’t wait anymore!” said Hülkenberg.