Team Williams' Sam Michael hopes the FW33 tiny rear-end will stir Formula 1
The technical director of Williams, Sam Michael has insisted that the innovation of the rear end of FW33 would be able to splash lap times and is one of the only four advancements this
season.
The livery features an extremely small, low-line gearbox which perks up aerodynamics. Williams are also counting on the fact that it will be hard to copy the gearbox, given that it has
one of the longest lead times in Formula 1.
Williams last won a championship in 1997 and have not been able to win a race since then. But Michael said that the team had put an exceptional amount of research and development into
the model which gives them hope of a good performance in the season, "We know it's not easy but we hope this car will take us a step closer to where the leaders are."
The three other innovations that Michael believes were developed this season include the radical exhaust systems produced by Red Bull and Lotus Renault, and the double floor developed
by Toro Rosso. But he considers that they are all relatively easy to copy compared to a gear box which he considers a completely different kettle of fish.
Tallking at the launching ceremony of the livery earlier, Michael gave a buoyant evaluation of the team’s chances this season, “All the testing has shown that we have a competitive car.
As long as we develop the car quickly, we can have a good year. As a team, we are more ambitious than ever.”
Williams are yet to prove their new package as one of F1's breakthrough designs but initial signs are encouraging. Rubens Barrichello, the lead driver for the team proved fastest in the
Jerez tests earlier this month. Pastor Maldonado, who has introduced Venezuelan oil money into to the team, has displayed a promising pace. The first track outing for the model will be at the final pre-season test in Barcelona, which begins on the 8th of
March, 2011.
According to Williams’ technical director, all the F1 teams have been photographing each other's cars and will try out their competitors' tweaks at their factories. But he also candidly
admitted that he had no idea where the other teams stood.
Williams have revealed a definite showpiece for their 2011 livery; a smart creation, calling back memories of the team’s years of glory in the 90s when the "Rothmans" cars took Nigel Mansell
and Damon Hill to the World Championships.
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