Michael: No problems with Williams wing

Williams FW33

Sam Michael has downplayed concerns about the design of the Williams FW33's rear wing, insisting that they have not had "any problems."

Unlike their rivals, Williams have mounted their rear wing on a central support, which, some suggestion could cause heavy vibrations.

The team's technical director, though, has downplayed the concerns.

"We have done three tests on it and we have not had any problems," Michael told Autosport.

"It's not because it's mounted on the suspension, as some people have suggested. It's because it is mounted on a single pillar. The rear lower wing is fully-floating. The main structural mounting point is at one place.

"Actually for the last test we added two little stays to the rear wing endplates and that has stopped all that lateral shaking.

"To be clear, it's not because it is mounted on the suspension pillar. The suspension pillar is not moving, it's just the fact that it is mounted on the central pillar and that's the only place we hold it.

"If we had a higher gearbox and we mounted our wing on a pillar, exactly the same thing would happen."

Williams, like several rival teams, will be heading to the final pre-season test at Barcelona with an upgraded package.

"We have a new diffuser, new front wing, new brake ducts, new bargeboards and new bodywork. The only thing that is not changing at the moment is the rear wing."