Nico Hulkenberg and Rubens Barrichello’s crashes during the Monaco Grand Prix are hurting long after the champagne has stopped bubbling.
Because both cars needed basic repairs, planned upgrades won’t be ready for this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix.
Can you say, “Hello P. 18?”
Here’s Technical Director Sam Williams:
We’ve spent the past week or so manufacturing new parts in readiness for Istanbul after the damage we sustained in Monaco. All of the items that needed replacing have been replaced now, apart from the front wings which require more time. As a result, we have to revert back to a previous specification for this race and wait until Montreal for the updated version.
Williams does sound a bit hopeful that some upgrades to the Cosworth engine could putt-putt those Williams through Turn 8 a little bit faster, though:
Cosworth have been working hard on the issues we have been seeing during the first part of the season and have had some positive indications from their dyno work. Istanbul will be an opportunity for us to test how these solutions look on the track. In line with our development programme, both FW32s will have new brake ducts for Istanbul and some additional mechanical changes.
How are the drivers handling things? Well, I’d say Rubens is still tossing things around, as I read his quote as being a bit churlish:
Returning from Monaco with a DNF for both cars was very disappointing for the team, particularly as we now know the cause of my accident. I know everyone has been working hard in the factory, so we are all looking to have a much better race in Turkey.
Both Rubens and Nico praise the high-speed nature of the track and specifically mention the triple-apex Turn 8. But, it’s Nico’s quote that’s priceless:
Turkey is a real about turn after Monaco; everything is pretty much the complete opposite. The track goes in an anti-clockwise direction, it has lots of long straights and quick corners so you can get into a nice rhythm around the lap and there’s loads of room!
And then he added: “So maybe I won’t hit the first wall I see!” OK, maybe he didn’t say that, but… is there any other way to read that but as relief?
