Barrichello certain of winter progress

The Brazilian is satisfied that the team has made a step forward over the winter, but unwilling to predict exactly where it fits into the pecking order, despite very promising form in testing.

"There is still a question mark about where we stand I know that we have improved but there are teams either side of us," he said.

"I know how optimistic I am and I know how much I would love to say that we will do really well, but what I will say is that I want to be in Q3 and to score points, and I think that is achievable."

Williams has taken a radical approach to its FW33, producing the smallest gearbox in the field and a unique rear-end treatment. Barrichello said the car felt like a different concept when behind the wheel.

"I think we are better on performance than last year. The car is a different animal though so there is a different way of treating it, but I quite like it," he said. "How much faster it is, is very difficult to know, but the car feels better than last year's to drive."