'Reasonable pace' but problems for Williams

Williams technical director Sam Michael said he was happy to see 'reasonable pace' from both Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg in Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, despite the pair encountering issues at Suzuka.

Hulkenberg encountered an electrical issue during the second session, although he was still able to post the tenth quickest time, although team-mate Barrichello missed the end of the session when an issue with the engine in his car left him parked up in the garage.

Despite that, Michael said the team was happy with the way upgrades fitted to the two cars had worked during the day and said he was pleased with the pace shown by both drivers.

"We experienced some technical problems today which threw us off plan slightly," he said. "We had electrical issues on Nico's car, while Rubens' practice engine developed a pneumatic leak towards the end of P2.

"All of the upgrade parts are working well though so they will remain on the cars for qualifying. The car also looks like it has reasonable pace. The forecast predicts rain tomorrow afternoon, which could make for an interesting qualifying."