The delay which saw Williams miss the first two days of pre-season testing because the car wasn't ready, and which subsequently further compromised the team's mileage in terms of spare parts, is still affecting the Grove outfit.

Speaking at the end of today's sessions which saw Robert Kubica and George Russell both finish over 3.8s off the pace of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes, the Pole admitted that the ongoing situation was compromising the team.

"Unfortunately second practice was quite a lot of compromises with some damage," said Kubica. "It wasn't a great afternoon and this morning we struggled quite a lot with overall grip.

"It's already difficult when it's running smooth," he continued: "We have to stay away from kerbs, so it is not easy, especially when you are fighting to stay on track.

"But, the positive thing is the afternoon felt better," he added. "Unfortunately it was quite compromised with what is happening. The car is difficult to drive and if you face other damages it's even more difficult.

"We knew Australia is more bumpy and the circuit is completely different to Barcelona," he said. "This afternoon was slightly better, the feeling improved and the temperature did help us a bit. But, it's quite difficult when the things are compromising, it's quite difficult to get a read."

Asked about the car's handling and balance, a major issue with its predecessor, Kubica smiled: "Well now you are going too much into the details, but if I tell you we are struggling to stay on track it means the balance is not great. But it's not a question of balance, it's a question of overall grip we are missing."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Batman, 15/03/2019 19:40

"The truth is that it takes years and tears until a team reaches the top. When it starts to fall, no one can predict where or when the fall will end. In F1 who doesn't improve, falls. Williams started to fall in 2016 and failed to adressed the known(?) problems with the car for 2017.

2015: 3rd (257 pts); 2016: 5th (138 pts); 2017: 5th (83 pts); 2018: 10th (7 pts); 2019: they'll struggle for a point."

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2. Posted by Ro, 15/03/2019 17:41

"There seems to be a lack of direction. It needs someone like Patrick to kick some asses. Come on Claire, you know you can do it !"

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3. Posted by Anthony, 15/03/2019 16:29

"Fingers crossed that they sort things out over the next couple of months and start to get back to where they should be. "

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Lack of spares further compromises Williams

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