Albon sets lofty target after practice surprise

Williams' Alex Albon has conceded he was surprised but optimistic after finishing inside the top five in both of Friday's practice sessions for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Despite having previously suggested Zandvoort would not be a circuit that played to the strengths of the Williams, Albon finished FP1 in fifth place before further improvement in FP2 saw him end that session third, just two-tenths shy of pace-setter Lando Norris.

The FW45 is usually more suited to low downforce track configurations, such as at Monza which follows next weekend, rather than higher downforce circuits like Zandvoort.

Remaining cautious, Albon said: "We've seen this before and obviously don't know what everyone else is doing.

"However, the car felt good from the moment we touched down in FP1.

"It's a bit surprising, if I'm honest, and I'm sure everyone will make a big step forward, but we'll try to hold on and keep the position."

The twisty Zandvoort circuit is one of the narrowest on the F1 calendar and with blocking likely to be an issue in qualifying, Albon explained: "The traffic will be tough with the need to manage the tyres well, but it keeps you on your toes.

"I don't think [Friday's] pace is representative of the field, but either way we're still in a good place.

"It’s going to be tight though, I'm feeling quite positive."