Kubica and Williams 'compromised' by car and lack of spare parts

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Robert Kubica says Williams' performance is currently undermined by its FW42's handling difficulties and the inability of its drivers to manhandle the car because of the team's shortage of spare parts.

Both Kubica and team mate George Russell made up the rear in Friday's opening practice sessions, some four seconds off the front-runners' pace and over 1.5s adrift from antepenultimate runner Lando Norris.

Needless to say, the depressed performance highlighted the FW42's lack of speed which was compounded by the need for its drivers to steer clear of the Albert Park's curbs for a lack of spare points in the Williams garage.

2019 Australian Grand Prix - Free Practice 2 results

"Unfortunately the feeling is compromised a bit with the difficulties we are having, and especially the second free practice, there was quite a lot of compromise with some damages we faced in the car," explained Kubica.

"We tried to fix the parts, but unfortunately we don’t have a lot of spares, so we have to do the maximum from what we have.

"The car, it is difficult to drive, and if you face damages, it is even more difficult. But anyway, I think it’s good to be here.

"I know it sounds strange because normally when you are so slow, it’s difficult to find positives.

"But I think as always you try to do the maximum from what you have, and this will be the target tomorrow."

Russell admitted that racing at the tail end of the field would be as good as it gets for now for the beleaguered British outfit.

"We knew what we were in for at this race and probably the first couple of races, and we just need to focus on building on that, and ensure come mid-season and the end of the year that we have something better," said Russell.

"We’re running at the same sort of level as everybody else really. We’ll have the same sort of improvements from Saturday, but the same as everybody else I think.

"I’d be very shocked if we qualify better than the last row of the grid."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.