Posted on February 17, 2017 Tags: Paddy Lowe Williams
WILLIAMS, that legendary British F1 marque, may well slide under the radar with its FW40 – named after the incomparable Sir Frank Williams.
The number of the first “reveal” of the 2017 Formula One World Championship season reminds us this is also the 40th anniversary of the team’s first season of F1. An extraordinary achievement. In any sport.
The team founder still serves as Team Principal with his brilliant daughter Claire, and is in the garage alongside her whenever his health permits.
Meanwhile the laconic Paddy Lowe, who stepped away from Mercedes last month, is being heavily smooched by Williams for the vital role as Technical Director. Former Ferrari TD James Allison has dived into the Merc slot.
Felipe Massa and rookie Lance Stroll are the trusted pilots of the FW40 flying machines.
This year’s rides are much different to those trotted out in recent years – the much hyped longer, wider bodies and much wider tires. The Pirellis are huge – 305/670 at the front and 405/670 at the rear. Love them!
Aimed at increasing downforce and grip with a resultant promise of higher speeds and faster lap times. The power units are much the same as last year – turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6s paired up with two motor-generators.
The oft regarded male appendage now has a front swept wing and the rear wing is wider, as are the sections flanking the side pods.
No surprise Williams is holding back most of the details until closer to the start of testing in coming days, as their rivals rip the skirts off their beautiful beasts.
February 20: Sauber C36
February 21: Renault RS17
February 22: Force India VJM10
February 23: Mercedes AMG W08
February 24: Ferrari
February 24: McLaren MCL32
February 26: Red Bull RB13
February 26: Haas VF17
February 26: Toro Rosso STR12
Edited by AC
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