The Williams F1 Team launched its 2013 race car the FW35. The latest Williams is a culmination of more than 12 months’ research and development by the team’s technical departments in Grove and features improvements in several key areas over last year’s race-winning FW34.
“Given the rule stability over the winter,” says Williams Technical Director Mike Coughlan, “I’m pleased with the gains that we’ve been able to make with this car. It’s a better, more refined Formula One car than the FW34 and I think everyone involved in the project can feel proud of the work they’ve done.”
Despite being an evolution of 2012’s car, more than 80 per cent of the FW35 is new. It has a new gearbox, new rear suspension, new radiators, a new floor, new exhausts, new bodywork, a new nose and a significant amount of weight has been saved as well. With many new parts on the car, the team has carried out a lot of reliability work over the winter. The gearbox alone has already completed 3200kms on the dyno, a lot of which was conducted in the form of five straight Grand Prix weekends.
The unveiling of the FW35, however, with its drivers Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas is only the beginning. From here the car will continue to be developed throughout the year, beginning with an aerodynamic upgrade in time for the first race.
Pastor Maldonado: “Starting my third season with Williams is important for both myself and the team. We’ve been working hard to develop the car and improve our performance. Last year we won a race and were competitive, but this season we must be even more competitive which I believe is possible. Consistency will be our aim to close the gap to the teams in front. There are a number of changes this season, I have a new Race Engineer and a new teammate in Valtteri, but there is a nice atmosphere right now as we are all competitive and know each other well. Being part of the Williams family is very special as a driver and I want to thank Frank for not only giving me the opportunity to drive for him, but also to deliver a win. My goal is to help take the team back to the top.”
Valtteri Bottas: “It feels great to now be promoted to race driver with Williams this season. It’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of training, meeting with my engineers and working in the simulator in preparation; so I feel ready. We know we have improved our car from last season but I am looking forward to seeing how it compares on track. We have a busy test programme ahead but I’m really excited. The moment the start lights go out in Melbourne is a moment I have been building towards my whole career.”
Williams FW35 Technical Specification
- Chassis: 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 F1 seven speed seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated
- Clutch: Carbon multi-plate
- Dampers: Williams F1
- Wheels: RAYS forged magnesium
- Tyres: Pirelli, Fronts: 245/660-13, Rears: 325/660-13
- Brake system: AP 6 piston calipers all round, carbon discs and pads
- Steering: Williams F1 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, KERS, and gearbox radiators.
- Cockpit: Six point driver safety harness with 75mm shoulder straps & HANS system, removable anatomically formed carbon fibre seat.
- Engine: Renault RS27-2013 2.4L V8, 900 V angle, 32 valves, aluminium block and pistons, nitrided alloy steel crankshaft with tungsten alloy counterweights, titanium connecting rods, 8 butterfly throttle system, 18000 rpm maximum speed.
- KERS: Williams F1 battery, MGU and electronics.
- Dimensions: Overall length 5000mm, overall height 950mm, overall width 1800mm
