F1 testing: Williams expected to miss day two in Barcelona

Formula 1’s first pre-season test has began in Barcelona but for the ROKiT Williams Racing team it’s not been the greatest of starts in preparation for the 2019 campaign.

While their nine rivals are testing their 2019 challengers at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Williams have not had the chance to give drivers Robert Kubica and George Russell any track time in the new FW42 car.

The British team missed the opening day of pre-season testing because they “needed more time”, Sky Sports reports, and deputy team principal Claire Williams issued a statement on Monday saying that the FW42 is not expected to hit the track until day three “at the earliest”.

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“It is looking more likely than not that we will now not be in a position to run on track until Wednesday at the earliest,” said Williams. “This is obviously extremely disappointing, but it is unfortunately the situation we are in. We will be getting the FW42 on track as soon as we are able.”

F1’s first pre-season test continues until Thursday 21 February. The teams will then return to Barcelona for the second pre-season test from 26 February to 1 March. Australia hosts the opening grand prix of the 2019 F1 season on 17 March.

Alfa Romeo Racing unleash the C38

After giving fans a sneak peek of their new car last week Alfa Romeo Racing officially unveiled their C38 model in Barcelona ahead of day one of testing.

Alfa Romeo Racing, formerly known as Sauber, removed the covers of the red and white C38 with new drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi doing the honours.

Team boss Frédéric Vasseur said: “We are proud to present the Alfa Romeo Racing C38 - a car which is the result of the important work of each of member of our team, at our factory in Switzerland as well as at the track. The livery brings out last year’s features in a stronger and more edgy way.”

The C38 was tested on day one by Raikkonen and Giovinazzi will be behind the wheel for day two.

Pictures: Alfa Romeo Racing C38