Williams anticipates problems in Monaco: "testing of new parts very difficult"

This coming weekend, the Monaco GP is back on the programme for the first time since 2019. A highlight for many drivers, but also for people like Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance at Williams F1. Like Nicolas Latifi and George Russell, he is looking forward to the weekend in Monte Carlo, where Williams will run its 750th race.

According to Robson, who looks ahead to the upcoming weekend on the Williams site, it's a good sign that F1 is returning to the street circuit.

"Returning to the streets of Monte Carlo is a great moment in the season and a sign that things are continuing to return to normal. Having not been here since 2019, we are desperate to get the cars out on to the tight and twisty track and to see how the circuit has evolved over the last two years. Coming from Barcelona, we couldn’t have a much bigger contrast in circuit style and layout, but the basic requirements from the car will be unchanged, with driver confidence crucial to success."

Robson also expects that, due to the 60-minute free practice sessions, the track will be hugely busy. "With only 60 minutes practice sessions, the track is likely to be busy and consequently completing high-quality clean laps will be difficult. Testing new parts is very difficult in Monaco and so we will dedicate most of our track time to dialling in both the car and the drivers to the street circuit in preparation for the all-important qualifying session on Saturday."

Softest Pirelli compound for the first time

It will be the first time this season that racing will be on the softest tyres. Robson is aware of this. "Pirelli have naturally brought their softest compounds to this event and this will be the first time that we have raced with this combination in 2021. All the compounds should offer long life and low degradation, but the Hard tyre could prove a tricky compound to keep in its ideal working window," said Robson. So an exciting weekend lies ahead for Williams but also for Pirelli.