Team chairman confident problems can be fixed this winter
Last Updated: November 14, 2011 5:26pm
Parr: Williams can get back on the right track in 2012
Williams chairman Adam Parr has no doubts the team can resolve the "profound failings" that have resulted in the worst season in their history.
Drivers Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado have only managed to amass five points between them in 18 grands prix ahead of the final race in Brazil.
As those points have come from two ninth-place finishes and a 10th, Williams are fortunate the system changed last year to allow the top 10 to score, otherwise they would have failed to notch a single point.
A paltry five is bad enough for a team who have previously won nine constructors' titles and finished runners-up as recently as 2003.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was something of a nadir in that Barrichello and Maldanado lined up on the back row of the grid - a first for the Grove-based marque.
The team are hoping to arrest their startling decline, with a number of personnel changes made over the course of this year as they look to build for a more robust 2012.
"As we have taken on the new team and as they have dug under the stones, we have realised there were quite some profound failings in the way we have been doing things," said Parr.
"They're not going to be fixed overnight, so with the best will in the world we are just being more realistic about where we are and where we need to get to."
Stunning
Asked if they could be fixed this winter, Parr replied: "Yes. I feel very energised about where we are at the moment because the people here are just stunning, without exception.
"The reaction in the race team to Mark Gillan (chief operations engineer), and in the design office to Jason (Somerville, head of aerodynamics) and Mike Coughlan (technical director) has been amazing.
"So I feel with the quality of people we have, the fact they've had time to really get to know the problems, and then to work on them this winter, I think we can do it.
"We've a new engine partner (Renault), and you can't deny the fact they have a great product, and the resources to keep pushing it, so I do feel positive.
"If these new guys had joined at the end of the season we would not have known half the stuff, and probably would have had big problems."
Parr said the issues on and off track were recognised very quickly, which is why drastic steps were taken behind the scenes to hopefully ensure there is no repeat next year.
"In a very grown up way we dealt with it, and in a way that was methodical for the future," said Parr.
"In a difficult situation, it's been a very well managed transition and now we need to deliver."
Conspiracy theories
Whether 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen - who has been talking to Williams about an F1 comeback - can help in that regard remains open to speculation, with the suggestion being the team are awaiting upon investment from Qatar to help fund any deal.
That forced Parr to smile, adding: "I read stuff and I just want to laugh because people construct these conspiracy theories from tittle-tattle and nonsense, and it's absolute drivel on all fronts.
"I understand everything people are saying, but unfortunately it doesn't mean you can draw conclusions from it."
Parr appears in no hurry to confirm next year's line-up, stating it will be done "as soon as we can".
He added: "We have not made a decision yet about the future. When we have we will discuss it with the people concerned and then we'll announce it."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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