Valtteri Bottas says Williams has “produced a really quick car” after he set the fastest time of the final day of pre-season testing.
While Mercedes was quickest on days two and three of the final test, Felipe Massa set the pace on Thursday before Bottas was fastest on Sunday. With Williams able to finish its programme early by choice and top the times, Bottas says he is confident of being “very competitive” when the season starts in Melbourne.
“It was a really good day and a great way to finish the test,” Bottas said. “One of the main points we have learnt is that the FW37 is very reliable. The car we are taking to Melbourne is very competitive and should make for an interesting start to the season.
“We have made the most out of our time testing and I need to say a really big thanks to the team, not only trackside but also everyone back at the factory as they have produced a really quick and reliable car.”
Chief race and test engineer Rod Nelson says the whole pre-season has been an encouraging one for Williams.
“Today’s programme was similar to yesterday, as we try to get the drivers in the best position before heading to Australia,” Nelson said. “Due to this the focus was more on performance with a mixture of long and short runs rather than just reliability work. Both drivers have worked extremely hard throughout the test and the entire team have worked very well together. We are really looking forward to Melbourne.”
The final day of testing as it happened
Click here for the gallery from day four of the final test
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