Nico Hulkenberg thinks Williams could trouble the top four in races this year and is aiming for points finishes and the occasional podium.
Williams showed potential in pre-season testing, but long runs on heavy fuel loads often masked the car's ultimate pace. When asked what his expectations were this weekend, Hulkenberg replied: "Definitely in qualifying to get into the top 10. And then in the race to score points."
He also appeared to be completely unfazed about being a rookie up against some of the most experienced drivers in the sport, most notably his team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
"I'm not worried about it," he said. "In Formula BMW, Formula 3, you win rookie championships but it's bulls**t," he said. "Yes, you are the best of the new guys, but I don't want to be the best of the new guys. I ultimately want to be the best of everyone so that doesn't mean a lot to me."
Hulkenberg set the 12th fastest time in the first practice session.