SPOTLIGHT ON NEW FORMULA 1 SEASON

Williams chairman Adam Parr feels the team are again a happy ship he is hoping to steer in much calmer waters this year following a turbulent 2011.

The Grove-based marque endured the worst season in their history last year, scoring a miserable five points, and then only due to the fact the points-scoring rules had changed the year before.

It has been remarkable to witness how far Williams, a team that once ruled the Formula 1 roost in the early 1990s, have fallen from grace in such a short period of time.

Much has changed, however, that has given cause for optimism, in particular behind the scenes as the team have rekindled their previously successful relationship with engine supplier Renault.

The likeable Rubens Barrichello has departed, but in his place the team have recruited another equally personable Brazilian in Bruno Senna to partner Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

“If we’re not a damn sight better then there are going to be 500 people knocking at my door wanting to know why,” Parr said.

“We’ve had a very solid pre-season testing. We’ve achieved all of our targets in terms of key areas of improvement.

“What we don’t know is how the competition is going, and it does look as if it’s going to be competitive.

“Our analysis indicates we’re going to be competitive. We’ve done tremendous mileage, the equivalent of 18 races through testing.

“The drivers haven’t put a foot wrong, and therefore we are as prepared as we’d like to be at this point in the season.”

Williams have surely hit rock bottom and from there the only way is up, although Parr is refusing to specify any targets.

He added: “My goal is really simple – I want progress. That’s all. And how far we go, I don’t know, but I just want progress.”