Robert Kubica says it is “vital” that updates brought to Williams’ FW42 work as expected at Silverstone, as it will determine the team’s development path.
Williams has struggled for performance this season and has remained substantially off the pace at most grands prix; it is the only team without a point and has yet to escape from Q1.
Williams has brought an update package to its home race in Britain this weekend, focusing on airflow around the bargeboards, as it bids to kick-start its season.
“We do have some new parts on the car,” said Kubica. “I hope, and this is the plan, that this is a first step… we hope they will be working well and they should give us a step forward.
“Although I think it will not be big, it’s still important that they deliver what we’re expecting so in the future when we get other parts we will know what to expect and we’ll build up the confidence, so hopefully we’ll start moving in the right direction.
“It’s good to see some new parts in the car, finally, and hopefully we’ll keep improving this car and adding some downforce which definitely in Formula 1 helps.”
When asked by Motorsport Week whether it was akin to a reset for Williams, and that the worst of its problems are over, Kubica replied: “I think in Formula 1 everybody is working hard and bringing improvements on the car.
“For us it’s hopefully a start.
“As I said it’s not massive, I would say, so we shouldn’t really be expecting big improvements but it will be very vital and important to see the new parts are delivering what we are expecting.
“For sure in the future [this means] we will know we are on the right track and hopefully step by step we will keep improving the car.”
