Williams say they are looking forward to the challenge of a brand new venue when the F1 circus visits Miami for the first time this weekend. Situated on public roads around the city's streets, the characteristics of the 5.4 kilometre Miami International Autodrome will make finding an ideal set-up a tricky undertaking, according to Williams' Head of Vehicle Performance, Dave Robson. "A new circuit always presents an exciting challenge to the drivers and engineers," said Robson. "Although the drivers will learn the circuit very quickly, the behaviour of the tyres, the initial ageing of the asphalt and the local conditions will ensure that there is a lot for the engineers to optimise throughout the weekend. "The Miami International Autodrome features several long straights, two fast corner sequences and one low-speed twisty section within a 5.4km anti-clockwise layout. "There will be compromises to be made between the various sections of the track and so the team will have quite a task to find the best overall lap time. "[Pirelli's compounds] are expected to suit the circuit layout quite well, although the exact tyre behaviour will depend on the track temperature and the chosen set-up. "It is this interaction between set-up and tyre behaviour that will provide the drivers and engineers the biggest challenge of the weekend."
Williams drivers looking forward to Miami event
Though he has struggled so far in 2022 and been outshone by new teammate Alex Albon, Williams driver Nicholas Latifi sounded a positive note ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. "I'm looking forward to getting out to Miami and experiencing a brand-new event," Latifi commented. "It's a really exciting weekend for F1, and to see the sport go from strength to strength in the US is great. "I've only experienced the track on the simulator, but it seems like a good combination of slow-speed technical sections and more fast and flowing elements, so it'll be an interesting challenge." Albon, who has scored Williams' only point of 2022 so far with a fine drive on an unusual strategy at the Australian Grand Prix, also talked up Formula 1's first visit to Miami. "It's very exciting to be heading to Miami; it's a brand-new track and a home race for [Williams' owners] Dorilton [Capital]," said Albon. "I've driven the track in the simulator and my initial feeling is that it's going to be very technical with a lot of different-style corners. "The venue itself looks incredible, and I'm sure fans are in for a great weekend."
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