Williams launch the FW37 at Jerez
Williams launch the FW37 with superior Mercedes power |
The new Williams Mercedes FW37 was unveiled today ahead of the first pre-season test in Jerez, Spain. The F1 grid will once again be adorned with the red and blue stripes that have grown to be so iconic in motorsport as WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING will be looking to build on their successful 2014 campaign where the team achieved nine podium finishes and finished third in the Constructors' Championship.
The team showed strong development throughout last season and aim to continue this as the regulations show minimal changes for the new season ahead. There are however a few differences between the FW37 and its predecessor.
The new rules will see changes to the front nose box and bulkhead of the car, a move away from the rule that saw so many different variations of nose throughout the 2014 season.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]Commenting on the new FW37, Team Principal and Founder, Sir Frank Williams, said: "After such a strong season in 2014 we are looking to continue the move back towards the front of the grid. The move from ninth to third was a tough challenge, but ultimately every step up from now on will be even harder. I am confident that we have the appropriate personnel and talent in this team to make those steps.
"We have an experienced driver line-up, with both drivers finishing on the podium throughout last year and hungry for more success in 2015, new commercial partners to add to the continued support from our already impressive roster, and have a technical team that is amongst the best on the grid.
"I am looking forward to seeing the car in testing and assessing how other teams have fared over the winter in comparison to us. We should, once again, have a very exciting season ahead of us which will hopefully bring more success to Williams."
Felipe Massa added: "The momentum we carry from last year has been very encouraging, the team has changed so much from 12 months ago and it is clear to see everyone is heading in a good direction. The development rate of the FW36 was one of the most exciting elements to the car, the team worked exceptionally hard throughout the year to make sure that we had a faster car at each race, and I look forward to a similarly impressive car this year. I am excited to be continuing to work with Valtteri, a driver with so much talent who has so much to offer both the team and me as his teammate."
Valtteri Bottas: "Coming into a season after third position in the Constructors' Championship carries the weight of a lot of expectation. Other teams and our fans are expecting a performance like last year, and all the personnel at Williams have been working tirelessly to make sure this is not only achievable but the benchmark for improvement. For much of last year we had the second fastest car, and this year we plan to take every opportunity to challenge at the front. After my first podium in 2014 I hope to continue developing as a driver as I aim for my first win. I look forward to working closely with Felipe again this year as we strengthen our relationship to extract the most from the car."
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, concluded: "The team learnt and developed a lot in 2014 and this has made us a better team and well prepared for the challenges that face us as we head into a new season. We are all eager to see where we are in comparison to our rivals. We have worked hard over the past six months to get this car ready, but it is in no way the final product, we have a lot of work to do throughout the season as we push for constant improvements in performance. I am incredibly confident in the team around me and the line-up we have that 2015 can make it another successful and exciting year for Williams Martini Racing, and now can't wait to get back on track."
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The launch marks the start of the 2015 season for Williams Martini Racing as a four-day test in Jerez gets underway before moving to Barcelona for a further eight days of testing. The season officially gets under way at the first race in Melbourne, Australia, on 15 March.
Technical Specifications
Chassis construction
Monocoque construction laminated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb surpassing FIA impact and strength requirements
Front suspension Double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Double wishbone, pull-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
Transmission Williams eight speed seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated
Clutch Carbon multi-plate
Dampers Williams
Wheels Aptech forged magnesium
Tyres Pirelli, Fronts: 245/660-13, Rears: 325/660-13
Brake system AP 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers with carbon discs and pads
Steering Williams power assisted rack and pinion
Fuel system ATL Kevlar-reinforced rubber bladder
Electronic systems
FIA SECU standard electronic control unit
Cooling system Aluminium oil, water and gearbox radiators
Cockpit Six point driver safety harness with 75mm shoulder straps & HANS system, removable anatomically formed carbon fibre seat
Power Unit
Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid , Internal Combustion Engine : Capacity 1.6 litres, Cylinders Six, Bank angle 90, No of valves 24, Max rpm ICE 15,000 rpm, Max fuel flow rate 100 kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm)
Fuel injection High-pressure direct injection (max 500 bar, one injector/cylinder), Pressure charging Single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine on a common shaft, Max rpm exhaust turbine 125,000 rpm
ERS Mercedes AMG HPP
Dimensions & weight
Weight: FIA Minimum, Overall length: 5000mm
Overall height: 950mm, Overall width: 1800mm