WILLIAMS duo Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas trailed in 11th and 12th in yesterday’s Silverstone Grand Prix.

In an eventful race both drivers, from the Grove-based team, made a two-stop strategy work to finish just outside the points.

Maldonado said: “It was a difficult race but our pace was consistent.

“We weren't quick enough but I was happy with the balance of the car and we had no problems with our tyres.

“I am looking forward to continuing to improve, particularly in qualifying.

“We were close to scoring our first point today.

“But before the second restart I was on the inside when Nico Hulkenberg went off the track and he made contact with me when he rejoined, which cost me two positions.”

Bottas added: “It wasn’t an easy race for me because the car was quite difficult to handle.

“We didn’t have the best set-up for qualifying and the race, and we also lost some time in the pit stops, so we need to improve.

“Points were certainly possible today but unfortunately we just missed out.”

Mike Coughlan, the Williams’ Technical Director, added: “It was a tough race but both drivers did a good job for us and deserved some points.

“Valtteri did well to overtake Button on the last lap for P12, and Pastor almost finished inside the top ten, but lost two positions at the second safety car restart.

“Both drivers made up a number of places from where they started on the grid.”