Valtteri Bottas hopes his impressive qualifying performance at the Russian Grand Prix means Williams can start to challenge for podiums this year.
Williams has finished third in the constructors' championship for the last two years, but in the first three races of 2016 its performances have slipped. However, at the fourth round in Sochi Bottas was third fastest and on Sunday will start the race from second position once Sebastian Vettel's grid penalty has been factored in.
"Hopefully we're back where we should be," Bottas said. "We want to be higher up, of course, but this season it is extremely difficult to beat Ferrari and Mercedes. We're trying to really close the gap but today it's nice we're clear of Red Bull and Toro Rosso, that have been challenging us in the last few races.
"I'm pleased with today and with this result, as it puts us in a good position for the race, for tomorrow, to get some good points. We need those points, but I'm pleased with today, It was all about team work, bringing some updates here, so a big thank you to the people working in the factory as they're doing a great job."
Williams has brought a series of updates to Russia and is starting to see the full benefit of its new shorter nose and front wing. Bottas said the updates had contributed to the result, but that the track layout also suits his car.
"I think it's both, to be honest. I think the updates we brought here helped us a bit but this track suits us better that the previous races we've had so far this year, so it's a combination of both. I really hope we'll be better than in the first three races in the coming races. We need to keep progressing."