Williams abandon Barcelona test

"We had a reliability issue with the front wing at Barcelona during testing," a Williams spokesman told autosport.com. "We could not implement an appropriate short term solution so we decided to return to the factory to address it in time for the Jerez test in just over a week's time."

Kazuki Nakajima plunged off the track at the first corner on the first morning of the test on Friday after suffering a front wing failure, which was the result of a cracked front wing mounting stay.

The team flew new parts to the test this morning in Frank Williams's private jet but, despite completing a full day of running, the team did not feel that they had completely resolved the front wing problem.

They have therefore decided to pack up early and will return to their Grove factory so they can work on a full solution for next week's test at Jerez in Spain.

Technical director Sam Michael said that he was confident the issues would be solved back at the factory prior to their next track action.

"We had some issues with the wing, which we could not resolve during this test at short notice," Michael told autosport.com. "We have decided to return to the factory, so we can put in place a solid solution for the Jerez test in a week's time."

The front wing problems come after an impressive early start to Williams' winter testing, with the FW30 having shown a clear step forward in pace over last year's car.

Nakajima admitted this weekend's events had been a disappointment after the promise of Valencia, but was confident the issues would be sorted out.

"We had the modified wing but it was decided that we needed further modifications back at the factory, plus we had other mechanical issues we needed to look at," he told autosport.com.

"It was a 180 degree turn from the good test of Valencia. When I went out the first time (with the modified wing) it took a long time to warm up the tyres and there was not enough grip, and Nico also expressed the same views.

"I think we need to relook at the issues back in the UK and prepare for Jerez. It was an overnight preparation [to prepare this modified wing], so we need more time and data.

"Barcelona is a very high speed, bumpy track and this wing issue became apparent on this type of circuit. We will aim to be OK for Jerez."