Small steps only option for new FW25


Frank Williams

By Andrew Hooper
December 22 2002

For Frank Williams the technical rules won't allow for revolutionary steps forward in the new FW25. It will be a process of making small steps in order to achieve the performance increases necessary to challenge Ferrari.

 

 

  
Small steps better option
 
Over the course of the latter part of the 2002 Formula One season there has been much discussion in regard to what the WilliamsF1 team and their partner BMW have to do to challenge Ferrari come 2003.

Frank WilliamsThe view that the team must design and develop a car for 2003 which is significantly more advanced in many areas, primarily in dealing with the chassis and its aerodynamics. Even WilliamsF1 management supported this view WilliamsF1 should design a car that is a revolutionary step forward over the 2002 FW24.

But now Frank Williams has come out saying that the design of next year’s car, the FW25, is restricted in that the technical regulations do not allow for such a quantum leap in design.

For Frank Williams he recognises the view that the team needs to make significant moves forward but the regulations make this very difficult. Williams said: "We need an enormous jump to catch up with (Ferrari), but the strict rules don't allow a revolution, only small steps."

Mind you many would say that if Ferrari can design a car which is significantly ahead is all aspects of its performance that so should teams of the calibre of WilliamsF1. One of aspect that Williams also gave Ferrari the edge was the presence of Michael Schumacher.

Williams added: "We have two strong drivers in Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher. But I am honest: Michael is the biggest problem for everyone; he is extraordinary."

The new Williams FW25, fitted with BMW’s new P83 V10, will run at the end of January.
 
 
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