Formula 1

Buoyant Williams geared up for first leg of F1 European season at Imola

Motorsport Technology
20 Apr 2022
3 min read

The Williams Racing team, partnered by Acronis, is riding the crest of a wave heading into the European leg of the Formula One season.

Following on from Alexander Albon’s spectacular drive from the rear or the field and into the points in Melbourne, the team is optimistic of more to come at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the iconic Imola circuit.

“The circuit retains many of the elements that previously made it such a daunting and thrilling race circuit, including the overall fast-flowing nature and unusual anti-clockwise direction,” commented Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance.

“The famous corners at Piratella, Acque Minerali and Rivazza are all as demanding as they ever were and the run from the second part of Rivazza to the chicane at Tamburello is now flat-out as it passes the new pit complex.

“There have been some minor changes to the DRS zone for 2022, which may affect the racing. Following the intensity of the opening ‘flyaway’ races of the season, it has been good to get the cars back to the factory and refreshed ready for the next series of events. We’re all looking forward to a European race and the challenge of the sprint qualifying format.”

For Melbourne hero Albon, the Sprint Race format represents a new test, the Anglo-Thai driver relishing the challenge ahead.

“It’s my first time competing in the Sprint event format, so I’m looking forward to the slightly different approach to the weekend and both the challenges and opportunities it will bring,” commented Albon. “Historically the team have gone quite well at Imola, so we’ll get our heads down and see what we can do.

“We had a great race out in Melbourne and the team did an incredible job with the strategy, so hopefully we can use that momentum to keep pushing this weekend.”

Likewise, Canada’s Nicholas Latifi is equally excited to be driving the first Sprint Event of the year and pushing for yet more points for the iconic Williams team.

“I’m super excited to hit the track in Imola,” added Latifi. “It’s the first Sprint Event of the year so I’m looking forward to that format and the opportunities it offers. It also provides an additional challenge for the teams, which will be even more interesting whilst we are still learning about these new cars.

“The Emilia Romagna track is one that has tended to suit our car in previous years and it’s certainly one that I enjoy driving; a real old school circuit with a lot of great corners and curbs. I’m looking forward to it!”

It will also be an emotional weekend for the famous Williams team. Team founder Sir Frank Williams would have turned 80 years of age in the week leading up to this race. For all supporters, sponsors and partners, the great man will be celebrated.

TEAM UP WITH ACRONIS

Prominent once again on the nose of the car and on the front wing endplates are the team’s official cyber protection partner Acronis. Williams Racing uses Acronis technology to add extra layers of protection to its IT infrastructure, protecting hundreds of servers and endpoint devices.

During the 2021 season, Acronis opened up an exciting #TeamUp Program, giving new and existing service providers the opportunity to support sports partnerships, join the sports ecosystem, attend races and enjoy amazing sports marketing benefits. To find out more, please visit https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/msp-sports/

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