Williams has released the first images of their 2014 Formula 1 challenger, the FW36.
They followed the lead of Force India, who posted an image of their new VJM07 on Wednesday, and revealed their pre-launch car on social networks.
The FW36 will be the first Williams car to be powered by Mercedes and will be driven by Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas this season.
The team's 2013 rookie will be the first driver to test the new car, completing the opening two days of the first pre-season test at Jerez for the team before handing over to Massa.
The images released show the car in their heritage blue testing livery, which we will see once again at Jerez.
Front noses have been a highly debated topic over the winter, with Force India's image revealing very little about the front of the car. However, we can clearly see that the FW36 features the narrower nose tip to comply with the new regulations.
"The build of the new car has gone remarkably smoothly," said chief technical officer Pat Symonds. "But it's been a challenge to get the car down to the weight limit. It's been achievable, but it hasn't been easy because the new power unit is heavier than the outgoing V8.
"There's a lot more technology on the cars this year. We've had turbo-charged engines in F1 before; what's different this time is that it is much more than just an engine change, it is a completely different system.
"We've gone from a slightly hybridised normally aspirated engine to a fully integrated hybrid power unit with novel technology at its heart.
"This is the first time that Williams has worked with Mercedes in F1 and we've been very impressed," says Symonds. "Their professionalism and commitment have been notable and we're as confident as we can be that the power unit will be competitive."
Discussing the aerodynamic changes, he added: "F1 is still going to be an aerodynamic formula in 2014. There are some significant changes: the nose is lower than last year and the front wing is narrower, which means the end plates are now more shrouded by the front tyre.
The rear wing isn't as deep as last year and the beam wing below it is no longer permitted, and we've also lost the ability to use the exhaust to enhance aero performance. I'm confident that we'll be closer to the front aerodynamically than we were last year. Our ambition for the year ahead is to have a strong 2014 season."
It isn't the prettiest car in the world, but I have to say that my first impressions are that it isn't as bad as I first thought. However, it may look very different out on track. But if it is fast, then that is obviously what counts.
 |
| © Williams F1 Team |
The FW36 will be the first Williams car to be powered by Mercedes and will be driven by Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas this season.
The team's 2013 rookie will be the first driver to test the new car, completing the opening two days of the first pre-season test at Jerez for the team before handing over to Massa.
The images released show the car in their heritage blue testing livery, which we will see once again at Jerez.
 |
| © Williams F1 Team |
Front noses have been a highly debated topic over the winter, with Force India's image revealing very little about the front of the car. However, we can clearly see that the FW36 features the narrower nose tip to comply with the new regulations.
"The build of the new car has gone remarkably smoothly," said chief technical officer Pat Symonds. "But it's been a challenge to get the car down to the weight limit. It's been achievable, but it hasn't been easy because the new power unit is heavier than the outgoing V8.
"There's a lot more technology on the cars this year. We've had turbo-charged engines in F1 before; what's different this time is that it is much more than just an engine change, it is a completely different system.
"We've gone from a slightly hybridised normally aspirated engine to a fully integrated hybrid power unit with novel technology at its heart.
"This is the first time that Williams has worked with Mercedes in F1 and we've been very impressed," says Symonds. "Their professionalism and commitment have been notable and we're as confident as we can be that the power unit will be competitive."
 |
| © Williams F1 Team |
Discussing the aerodynamic changes, he added: "F1 is still going to be an aerodynamic formula in 2014. There are some significant changes: the nose is lower than last year and the front wing is narrower, which means the end plates are now more shrouded by the front tyre.
The rear wing isn't as deep as last year and the beam wing below it is no longer permitted, and we've also lost the ability to use the exhaust to enhance aero performance. I'm confident that we'll be closer to the front aerodynamically than we were last year. Our ambition for the year ahead is to have a strong 2014 season."
It isn't the prettiest car in the world, but I have to say that my first impressions are that it isn't as bad as I first thought. However, it may look very different out on track. But if it is fast, then that is obviously what counts.
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