Michael: Williams not good enough

Like most teams, Williams brought a significant update package to Barcelona but while Michael says it improved the car's performance, it was only enough for the outfit to maintain its position in the pecking order.

"Two points for Rubens was a good result considering where we were on Saturday, but our overall performance wasn't good enough in Spain and we must keep pushing to make more significant progress," said Michael.

"We brought a series of updates to both of the cars for Barcelona," he added. "Initially, we tested the parts on Rubens' car during Friday's practice sessions, and the team back at Grove worked hard to deliver additional sets for Nico's car in time for Saturdays' third and final practice.

"The upgrades we raced included a new diffuser, which in turn required a new gearbox, we also had revised sidepod intakes and a new active front wing actuator. We also ran new wing mirrors, as per the altered regulation."

Barrichello failed to make out of Q1 during qualifying in Spain and said that he believed the updates had not worked, but Michael added that Barrichello's car may also have suffered from damage during the session.

"Rubens' car suffered heavy stone damage during qualifying," he said. "On his return to the pits, the front wing, rear wing, roll hoop, suspension fairings and his helmet were all damaged.

"We weren't able to measure the impact on downforce, but it would have affected it, however small. Nico Hulkenberg ran wide over a kerb during his second run in Q1 which caused some damage to the bib splitter.

"As a result, we fitted a new one between Q1 and Q2 so it had no bearing on his Q2 qualifying performance."