Following the successful Monaco and European Grands Prix, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team started a three-day test programme at Silverstone. The Anglo-German partnership is going to evaluate new components for the forthcoming races in order to further improve the Williams BMW FW27.

Nick Heidfeld and Nico Rosberg were on duty at the first day of testing. However, their progress was hampered by the typical British weather. Showers in the morning and consistent rainfalls in the afternoon made for restricted track time of the two drivers. Nevertheless, Nick completed 45 laps at the 5.141 kilometre circuit, setting a personal best of 1:22.044 minutes. Nico covered 40 laps and posted a 1:24.097.

Both drivers concentrated on set-up work in the morning. Later, they exercised simulated race starts and pit stops. Fastest driver of the session was McLaren’s Pedro de la Rosa (1:19.739). Tomorrow, the team’s second GP regular, Mark Webber, will join Nick at Silverstone.

Tim Newton (Test Team Manager, WilliamsF1): "It stayed mostly dry this morning so we managed to make a start on some tyre work. We also did several different systems checks and some start development. Typical Silverstone weather this afternoon, however, prevented us from carrying out any really constructive work so we’re looking forward to a better day tomorrow.“

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