March 28, 2011
Published on tags: Superleague
Williamson Dynamics Grand Prix enjoyed mixed results during the thrilling season opener in Australia. Team Boss Ben Williamson was honest in his evaluation of the team's performance.

A team which had shown promise in the pre-season of 2010, but subsequently failed to deliver on any of them had launched thier 2011 pre-season campaign to much fanfare. One thing is for sure, this season's chassis represents a return to the high standard design pedigree the Berlin based team has displayed in previous years. Pre-season form was far from consistent, but the team's engineers are confident that most issues have been resolved and the pace of development thus far, while staggered, has been at least continuous with the team previously freezing development when doubts arose about a chassis's ability to perform.

Ojay Clark was a signing many did not expect from a team known to recruit strong, develped drivers from outside the GPVWC as often as it recruits from within. So, to field two superleague rookies in one season was seen by many as poor judgement. However, the team committed to both drivers early on, confidently predicting both drivers had the drive and talent to make the grade.

In Melbourne, it was clear even early on that the WD.F1/11B was bang on the pace and able to mix it up at the sharp end of the grid, so naturaly questions have arisen as to why the team's drivers ended the race at opposing ends of the grid. Team Manager, Ben Williamson was keen to address these during a post-race press conference.

"First of all, I want to say how delighted I am to see not only our own team meet expectations, but how professional and watchable the championship has become. Admins, teams and drivers have all really pulled out all the stops here and the result is fantastic."

"We knew from our first meeting with Ojay that he was a perfect fit for the team, and it was a great bonus later on to find he was also a perfect fit for our car. The car once again proves that we can design and produce some of the best race machinery out there, and Ojay has proven that we are able to source and devlop talent an dI would like ot congratulate him on an excellent performance. Of course, I understand the mixed comments I've come across in regard to Tim, but I'd like to reiterate that I still firmly believe Tim is the right man for the job." Stated Williamson.

"He's a talented and able driver, but also a young one, and everyone has bad races. The car does not suit him as well as it does Ojay, but in the course of car development, like with so many things, it's impossible to follow two visions and we simply need to find a way to setup the car to aid him as best we can. Everyone has their least favourite tracks and I would ask that people hold on a little longer before making any judgements."

Williamson went on to address other pre-season concerns to the gathered media: "In regard to other technical factors, I feel that this performance proves our faith was well place in the guys at Mercedes-Benz. I feel that in real terms, given our design direction and driver technique, it was the correct choice and we feel confident we can build on this as we look to progress further."

"I'd also like to congratulate the guys at Pirelli, they are the third tyre manufacturer we have had the privilege to work with, and they are by far the most accomodating and already we are building close professional ties. I think both the car and drivers have adapted well to the new rubber and I do think it has a positive impact on how much we can draw from our car. And of course the team co-owner Marco Vandenbroeck has proved as invaluable as always."

When questioned on feelings within the team about the oncoming season, now the first race is out of the way, Williamson went on to add: "I think in all honesty, we all feel podiums are a genuine possibility provided we can keep up with the current pace of development. I still think the Nordsjoens and Draigs are going to be leading the way, but incidents occur in racing and sometimes guys catch a break and I think we're potentially the best team to capitalise on such situations. Ideally, I expect no less than to see our cars mixing it up in the high-midfield."