Alex Albon admits he is “optimistic” about Williams’ chances at the Dutch Grand Prix after finishing both Friday sessions in the top five.
The Anglo-Thai driver wound up fifth in the opening hour of practice before improving to third in FP2, ending up only two-tenths adrift of Lando Norris at the top of the times.
Albon was made to reflect on an encouraging day for Williams on F1’s return to track action, admitting its promising pace even came as a shock to the team.
“Very good. But we’ve seen it before,” Albon cautioned regarding Williams’ Friday pace.
“We obviously don’t know what everyone else is doing. Honestly, I have to say the car felt good. From the moment we touched down in FP1, the car felt good.
“Long run in FP1 felt okay, felt strong, FP2 maybe less so. It’s a bit surprising. I’m sure everyone is going to make a bigger step tomorrow.
“Obviously, we will try and hold on and keep this position, but we’ll see.”
While Williams’ point-scoring success this year has come on low-downforce circuits, the Grove side’s recent upgrades have also improved its competitiveness at higher-downforce venues, with Albon recording an 11th-place finish in Hungary last month.
With the Zandvoort circuit replicating many of the Hungaroring’s characteristics, Albon is confident that Williams can be in contention for more points on Sunday.
When asked if he felt his pace on Friday was representative, he said: “For sure people are most likely running heavier. But you look at it anyway it’s still a good day, even if we are lighter or whatever we are.
“We are still doing good pace. It’s going to be very tight, it’s always tight around here. I mean I’m not that pessimistic, I’m actually quite optimistic.”
Since Zandvoort returned to the calendar two years ago the short, tight nature of the track has consistently made traffic a problem throughout practice and qualifying.
A multitude of drivers were heard voicing their disapproval at having fast laps being ruined at varying points on Friday, and Albon expects a similar theme to occur tomorrow.
“It’s tough. It is tough. It’s always been a problem,” he added.
“These tyres need to rest, and when you rest them there is a lot of traffic. So, it keeps you on your toes, even on your in laps, on your cool-down laps they keep you on your toes.”
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