“But the first time I visited the track was in 1990 for a go kart race. It's a very difficult circuit with a great mix of corners making it very enjoyable for drivers. We struggled in China but rest assured we will be pushing as hard as possible to give all the fans and employees something to cheer on Sunday."
Williams F1 – Mark Webber (#9), Nico Rosberg (#10):
Considering it was a race where they were expecting to struggle following a poor qualifying effort and the stigma of using under performing
Bridgestone tyres on a wet surface, Shanghai was not the race many people, including the team themselves, were expecting Williams to break their eleven race points duck.
Nonetheless, Mark Webber got his head down as usual and powered through the field with an effective strategy and a crucial dose of luck when he claimed eighth place from
David Coulthard towards the end of the Chinese Grand Prix.
While one point is a meagre reward for a company as esteemed as
Williams, the drought that has plagued them since the European Grand Prix makes this probably one of the most significant markers in their history.
Webber goes to Suzuka too in the knowledge that he marginally missed out on a podium finish last season when he lost out to the rampant Raikkonen and Alonso, the Australian eventually crossing the line in fourth place, instead of second.
“We finished fourth at Suzuka last year and it was a good race for us. We were running very close to
Fernando Alonso and only just missed out on a podium. The track really is spectacular, it’s fantastic. Most people find the Japanese way of life very different to what they’re used to and you either love it or you don’t.
