Williams is hoping for a more straightforward United States Grand Prix weekend, after last year’s torrential rain and double retirement.
Both Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas retired at the Circuit of the Americas in 2015 due to suspension problems, in part due to the bumpier than expected track surface.
The team’s technical chief Pat Symonds is hoping for better fortunes in Austin, Texas, this weekend, particularly with a new engine upgrade.
“Austin is one of those modern tracks that has been built to really stretch both the driver and the car,” Symonds said.
“After Turn 1, the succession of corners is reminiscent of the first part of Suzuka and just as challenging, may be even more so than that classic track.
“Whilst last year’s event was severely disrupted by weather, we hope for a more straightforward weekend this time around.
“Apart from the weather, one of the surprise features last year was how bumpy the circuit had become in just twelve months.
“We certainly are hoping that it hasn’t degraded any further as last year was a challenge, and ultimately led to the retirement of both our cars.
“That aside, we hope the circuit will reward our new power unit upgrade being introduced for this event.”
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