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sports7h ago
Williams boss Vowles insists team will be ready for Bahrain test after skipping Barcelona
Espn.com and 2 more
- Williams opted to skip the Barcelona shakedown to protect parts and prioritize a robust Bahrain and Melbourne readiness strategy.
- Vowles described the Barcelona absence as painful but necessary to push performance under the 2026 regulations and accelerate transformation.
- Despite missing Barcelona, Williams confirmed readiness to race in Bahrain and Melbourne, emphasizing the broader preparation plan.
- Williams completed all FIA crash tests and stated the chassis tests were passed weeks ago, dispelling rumors of testing issues.
- Williams plans a 100-kilometre filming day ahead of the Bahrain test as allowed under regulations.
- The 2026 regulations have made the car 'three times more complicated,' prompting rapid but challenging transformation for Williams.
- Vowles emphasized the Barcelona absence will not jeopardize Bahrain or Melbourne plans, reinforcing a longer-term preparation horizon.
- Williams is prioritizing internal testing at its Grove factory, supplementing on-track data while rivals test in Barcelona.
- Aston Martin planned Barcelona runs while Williams chose a different development path, highlighting divergent preseason strategies.
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