The team completed a successful Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi to end the season, with the teams 2019 driver line up behind the wheel. George Russell and Robert Kubica shared the driving responsibilities over the two-day test, George completed 97 laps and Robert 71 over both days.
Robert Kubica: The focus was on the 2019 Pirelli specification tyres, it was very important to understand what’s the difference and if there is any difference. At the moment we are testing in very hot conditions, but winter testing and the first few races will be different conditions. We will go through the programme we ran over the last two days, and I’ll sit down with the guys and George to decide on the tyres for winter testing and the first four races. Additionally, it was a good opportunity for me to get back in the car, to go through different tyres, but also to warm up the muscles before we recharge our batteries. Winter will be long, and we will prepare over this time ahead of the upcoming season. I am working well with George. He is very nice guy, and we have a good collaboration which is key for us and for the team. All in all, the test was good, and I am looking forward to 2019.
George Russell: I am very pleased with how my first test with Williams has gone, overall it was very positive. It has been fantastic to get to know everybody and gain an understanding of how the team works, and of course driving the car. I was pleasantly surprised with how the car was feeling and I think we made some good steps ahead of 2019. The tyre test was very beneficial to the team, they have gathered some really good information, which provides a great idea going into the first test and races. Working with Robert during the test was great, he has so much engineering knowledge from his past experiences. I believe we can have a positive effect and push the team in the right direction to get more performance. There is no time to rest over the next few weeks, I will be very busy attending events such as the Autosport, BRDC awards and a Mercedes event. On top of that, a lot of work in Grove with Williams, and preparing for the 2019 season to make sure that I am physically prepared come the test.
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