New driver insists the pressure is on

Bruno Senna believes a shake-up inside Williams will ensure there will be no repeat of last year’s wretched campaign.

Williams mustered just five points last season – the worst total in the team’s illustrious history – and they only collected that many as the scoring system was altered from 2010 to incorporate the top-10 finishers.

It is surely now a case of ‘the only way is up’ for Williams, with Senna confirmed as team-mate to Pastor Maldonado on what is thought to be a 12-month contract.

“The team is very hungry to improve on last year, which was one of their worst,” Senna said.

“So they have made it very clear we perform – not just the drivers, but as a team. It’s very important for them we have a good year.

“So the pressure is on everybody – not only the drivers, but every single person in the team.

“Every once in a while, when you have a bad year, you learn from the mistakes, how you can improve, shake things up a little, and I believe they have shaken things up in the right way.”

Experienced

Senna and Maldonado represent one of the most inexperienced line-ups Williams have fielded, scoring just three points between them from 45 grands prix. That would appear to add to the pressure on the shoulders of the duo, yet Senna said: “They feel we can work together in terms of potential and to develop the car.

“We have a very experienced body of engineers and technical side of the team who will help us.

“It’s a challenge, but I’ve experience in my motor-racing career, and with that on the technical side there should be no problem.”

After a season with then debutants Hispania Racing in 2010, and after driving in the final eight grands prix of last season for Renault, the start to this campaign will be different for Senna. The 28-year-old will at least not be on the back foot in terms of preparation as he said: “It’s going to be essential starting the season on the same level as the other guys. “I’ve not had that chance before in F1. That will make the biggest difference in terms of being prepared for all types of situations throughout the season.

Last year there was some inconsistency because I didn’t know the car very well, but this year I will know the car as well as my team-mate.

“So the chances of scoring points, or achieving as much as the car can deliver every race, will be that much better.”

source: © skysports.com