Nakajima positive despite points drought

The Williams driver was robbed of a decent result in Turkey due to a lengthy final pitstop, and then got shuffled down the order after the first stops at Silverstone after a career-best fifth on the grid.

But although he has failed to score a point so far this season, and currently lies bottom overall in the driver rankings, Nakajima is bullish about his prospects for the rest of the season judging by his recent pace.

"It is frustrating and if you look at the results it looks like a disaster," Nakajima told AUTOSPORT. "But we know that we have had some very good chances, and the difference at the end was actually very tiny compared to the results.

"I feel quite positive, more positive than the results show. It is very tough now, because even small differences in time can make a huge difference in terms of the results. We just need to keep putting in our best effort, and I am sure that one day we can put it all together."

Nakajima believes his stronger form in recent races is evidence of the progress he is making as a driver - something which has been noticed by team figures.

"With my engineer, we are getting better and better together," he said. "And for the whole team it is better to have two drivers who can push each other.

"If we get everything together, then I am sure we can get a better result. We just need to learn a little bit more, get better slightly, and then I think everything will come towards us. The result at Silverstone was disappointing, but at the same time it was very encouraging in the race."

And although his points tally this season has not matched what he achieved in 2008, Nakajima thinks he is performing at a totally different level.

"Compared to last year I am in a different place," he said. "Last year, if I was like I am now I could have done a much better job, and it is quite good as a driver to keep improving.

"The team is doing a much better job, and for myself I am doing a much better job than last year. I just need to keep doing it."