‘Positive’ Williams excited for new season

Williams head of vehicle performance Rob Smedley believes that there is more to come from their car in the first four races of the new season.

The British team are expected to start the year as the second fastest car behind Mercedes, but Smedley hopes that the gap between the two teams is less than expected.

He told F1.com: “On the back of what has been a really good winter test where we met all of our objectives we are heading to Melbourne in a really positive frame of mind.

“Melbourne is always a really interesting race as there are so many unknowns. There are always a few surprises as the competitive pecking order is established.”

He later added: “We have been testing at circuits that don't play fully to the strengths of the FW37 so we are looking forward to the first few races which should suit the FW37s characteristics more."

Williams had a strong finish to last season and hope to win races for the first time since 2012 this year.

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