Williams: Wing system in early stages

Date published : 17 Apr 2010 - 09:22:15

Williams tried a McLaren-style rear wing stalling system in practice at Shanghai this morning, but says the device is still some way from being ready to race. The success of McLaren's F-duct system - which increases straightline speed when the driver blocks a vent in the cockpit to change the airflow over the rear wing - has prompted the rest of the field to work on similar contraptions. Sauber has already tried out a duct, and Ferrari ran some of the required components in practice yesterday - as did Williams with Rubens Barrichello in practice today. "We tested a stalling rear wing on Rubens' car during the morning practice session, from which we collected some useful data, but it's early R&D at this stage so we have taken the decision not to race it this weekend," explained Williams technical director Sam Michael. Barrichello went on to qualify 11th in the standard version of the car, missing out on a Q3 place by just 0.03s. "Qualifying went ok for us; it was just a shame that we were pipped in the last minute of Q2," he said. "Everything is so close at the moment though and, if you think about it, that was our best qualifying for getting closer to the top. "It was a great lap and I'm happy with what I did out there this afternoon." Michael also praised the team's effort in carrying out a rapid engine change on Barrichello's car. "We had to fit a new engine on his car after this morning's practice so it was a good effort by the mechanics to get him out in time for qualifying," said Michael. But there was more frustration on Nico Hulkenberg's side of the garage, as the German ended up only 16th and praying for a wet race. "We had a hard time in the practice sessions and P16 is obviously not what I was hoping for," he said. "My last lap wasn't perfect because I made a mistake in the last corner which cost me time. "I think it will probably be wet for the race tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it."