Williams get in gear for Bahrain

The Williams team continued their preparations for next weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix with a positive two-day test session at Barcelona.

German driver Nick Heidfeld, fresh from his podium finish in Malaysia, was joined across the Spanish circuit by test driver Antonio Pizzonia as the pair carried out work with the tyres and set-up on the BMW-powered car.

The British-based team are currently fourth in the constructors’ championship on equal points with Ferrari but have failed to bring home both drivers - Heidfeld and Mark Webber – in both races so far this season, although that was not as a result of problems with the car.

Webber finished fifth in the opening race in Melbourne but retired at Sepang after a collision with the Renault of Giancarlo Fisichella.

Heidfeld failed to finish in Australia after an accident with Michael Schumacher, but claimed his second-ever podium and career-equalling best finish of third in Malaysia.

Now, after a successful test this week, the team will be focusing on adding to their 10 championship points in Bahrain.

Technical director Sam Michael said: “On Friday we concluded a two-day test in Barcelona with Nick and Antonio in two FW27s. It was a productive test, during which we covered 1,750kilometres.

“Nick worked through tyre tests for Michelin, electrical system improvements, power steering modifications and a couple of aero tests in readiness for Bahrain. Antonio worked on mechanical set-up items, cooling tests and some fuel system modifications.

“The race team now look forward to the Bahrain Grand Prix, while the test team will return to the Barcelona circuit in two weeks.”

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen added: “During the two test days in Barcelona the team focused on chassis set-up and tyre testing.

“We continued development work on the launch and traction control systems of the BMW engine.”