Q&A with Mark Gallagher after British GP

Cosworth had cause for celebration yesterday after AT&T Williams drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hülkenberg celebrated a double points finish in the British Grand Prix around the Silverstone Circuit finishing in fifth and tenth positions respectively.

The result marks the first double top ten finish of the season so far for AT&T Williams and Cosworth, and follows on from Rubens Barrichello’s fourth position in the last race in Valencia, adding a total of 11 championship points to the team’s overall tally. This was also the second race in succession that Rubens Barrichello followed reigning World Champion Jenson Button home, underlining the growing threat from the Williams-Cosworth FW32 package.

Seven of the eight Cosworth-powered cars made it to the chequered flag with Lotus Racing establishing themselves as the leading rookie team as Jarno Trulli took 16th place ahead of his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen in 17th.

Timo Glock took 18th place in the sole Virgin Racing car to finish after Lucas Di Grassi retired early on with hydraulics problems. The HRT F1 Team got both cars to the chequered flag with Karun Chandhok in 19th and Sakon Yamamoto in 20th.

Q+A with Mark Gallagher – Cosworth General Manager F1 Business Unit

Cosworth must be pleased with a two-car points finish this afternoon?

“Absolutely. It was another competitive performance from the AT&T Williams team this afternoon and we are delighted to see both Rubens and Nico in the points. Rubens continued his positive result from Valencia and a second consecutive top five finish underlines just what progress has been made by the team and in the overall strength of the chassis-engine package. To see the three new teams enjoy solid race performances and finishes, with only one car retiring, is further evidence of the fantastic progress made by Lotus Racing, Virgin Racing and HRT since the start of the season.”

How was engine performance in the race?

“None of our teams experienced any engine-related problems in qualifying or today’s race which is obviously very pleasing, particularly considering this is the first time that we have run at the new, longer version of the Silverstone circuit. All four of our teams reaffirmed the continued reliability of the Cosworth CA2010 engine today, and the performances of the Williams-Cosworths in the midst of the battles for points was good to see.”

How do you rate the British Grand Prix weekend as a whole?

“It has been an outstanding weekend for British motorsport with record breaking crowd attendance at SIlverstone and a terrific atmosphere from the fans. As Cosworth’s home grand prix, it has been a pleasure for us to showcase our latest engine and electronics technology to such a receptive audience and to enjoy a good result in this afternoon’s race. Cosworth’s run of British summertime events continues with the Farnborough Airshow in just over one week’s time, at which we will be showcasing our work in the aerospace industry.”

Would you say this has been one of the busiest Grands Prix of the season?

“Yes, it has been quite remarkable how many people attended the event on each day. There was a real feeling that this event marked a key point in the season, and to see the AT&T Williams, Virgin Racing, Lotus Racing and HRT motorhome and hospitality units busy with sponsors and VIP guests is an indication of the huge interest that exists in Formula One. Several of our teams have announced commercial partnerships in recent races, so it’s a good sign for the commercial health of the sport.”