Williams endure technical issues in Friday practices

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F1 Grand Prix, GP Japan, Circuit Suzukajp

Both Williams cars had some technical issues today which slightly delayed today's programme for both drivers. In the morning the team focused on testing their new brake ducts and set-up work, while the afternoon was mainly about tyre evaluations and longer runs.

Sam Michael, Technical Director:
We experienced some technical problems today which threw us off plan slightly. We had electrical issues on Nico's car, while Rubens’ practice engine developed a pneumatic leak towards the end of P2. All of the upgrade parts are working well though so they will remain on the cars for qualifying. The car also looks like it has reasonable pace. The forecast predicts rain tomorrow afternoon, which could make for an interesting qualifying.

Rubens Barrichello:
I obviously had a problem with my car during the second session. That was disappointing, but the car seems to be well balanced and should take us through to Q3 again tomorrow.

Nico Hulkenberg:
We had some technical problems during today’s second session which prevented us from going out exactly when we wanted to, but they didn’t really cost us anything and today went ok overall. It’s looking really competitive out there. We aren’t looking too bad; we just need to get everything right tomorrow. The circuit is living up to expectation and I’m loving driving it.