2013 Italian Grand Prix Team Preview: Williams

Williams started their season with a change in their drivers as their test driver Valterri Bottas joined Pastor Maldonado for the 2013 Formula One season. Williams started using their new FW35 chassis for their cars and retained the same Renault RS27 engines.

Valterri Bottas worked as a test driver for Williams Formula One team in the 2012 season but was promoted to racing because Bruno Senna, who initially wished to join Force-India Mercedes, moved to the World Endurance Championship.

Valterri Bottas had a really good start to his inaugural Formula One season as he successfully managed to finish first nine races, but all outside the top 10. He also managed to qualify in the 3rd position for the 2013 Canadian Grand Prix, which is his highest qualification on the grid so far.

Pastor Maldonado, who is racing for Williams for third year in succession, did not start his 2013 season very well, as he retired in his first two races. Things did not pick up after that as he managed finishes but outside of points, except one at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he managed to score one point for himself and his team by finishing 10th. He was again retired in the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix after a crash with Chilton.

For Williams Formula One team, the Monza Grand Prix circuit has always been a tough one. Williams haven’t managed a win at the Italian Grand Prix for more than a decade. Their last win at the Monza Grand Prix circuit came in the 2001 season with Juan Pablo Montoya.

Pastor Maldonado, being more experienced of the two drivers, has more expectations as well as pressure on his shoulders. The Venezuelan has been finishing 11th in the Italian Grand Prix for the last two years, but the team is expecting a much better finish for him from him this year.

Valterri Bottas has had a good season but hasn’t scored any points for his team. His team, Williams, who currently stand 9th in the Constructors’ Championship table, definitely want to improve their position, and a top 10 finish by both their drivers is a must.

Williams hasn’t had many problems with their new car and stick to standard two-stop strategy for both their drivers. With only eight races left this season, there are a lot of expectations from Williams’ drivers to start finishing within the top 10.

This is going to be a very crucial race for Williams as they are just 1 point above Marussia and Caterham. And the FIA President and CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, has made an announcement that only the top 10 will be awarded prize money and has put a lot of pressure on the bottom placed teams.

Williams’ have had many good results at the Monza Grand Prix circuit over the years and will be expecting to repeat the same, this year also.