Source: Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited

F1 News

Lowe: 1st Qualifying Session 'Most Interesting Hour of the Season'

Lowe: 1st Qualifying Session 'Most Interesting Hour of the Season'

22-03-2018 18:07
Author profile picture

Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Williams team boss Paddy Lowe has said that the first qualifying session of the season is the "most interesting hour of the season," as the world can get the first real grasp of the teams after months of developing (and no racing).

The CTO hopes to improve on last season's fifth place in the standings, but more than anything he's just excited to be back for another season of F1-action.

"We're all very excited to go back to Melbourne again," Kenya-born Brit said.

"There's a lot of new things for us this season; new car, new line-up, new personnel, new regulations, and loads of new tyre compounds."

As weather conditions impeded pre-season testing significantly, qualifying will be the first real taste we'll get of this years' cars, and where they all rank among their opponents.

“Importantly, there is always a state of tension around where everyone will end up pace-wise," Lowe explained.

"The first qualifying session is the most interesting hour of the F1-season because it's the first time we get exam results after a year of developing the car."

Lowe will see Sergey Sirotkin make his F1-debut in the FW41 alongside his teammate Lance Stroll, who has one year of experience under his belt.

"We are excited to see Lance and Sergey in their first race as teammates, and it looks like there will be some close competition as all the teams appear to have done a fantastic job over the winter."

“And whilst that might make things difficult for the teams, it is great for the fans, so above all else, we hope to put on a great show for everyone in Australia.”