Pizzonia Encouraged after First Day of Testing

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, Williams' new test driver, has revealed spirits are high in the team after he topped the timesheets in the first day of testing since the winter ban was introduced after the Japanese Grand Prix.

And although he said there is little he can help develop until the new car comes on stream in late January, he believes things are looking promising for the team.

"It is good to top the times on the first day back, but we still have quite a lot to do," said Pizzonia. "The team are all really confident. Everyone is expecting a lot from the new car and the new engine, but until we get the new car it is difficult to find new things to test."

Pizzonia revealed that the team's other tester, Spaniard Marc Gene, was running with the new BMW engine to power him to fifth fastest time. All drivers used different interim car set-ups, and Pizzonia worked on new suspension set-ups during the first day.

"We used the new engine in one car," Pizzonia said. "I worked on suspension set-ups. I am sure we will be testing a lot more when we have the new car."