| With an
innovative chassis, strong engine and raised expectations, the BMW
WilliamsF1 Team unveiled its new car the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25 at the Circuit
de Catalunya in Spain. The car launch ceremony began at 11:30 hrs in front
of an audience of international media and guests. Team drivers Juan Pablo
Montoya (COL) and Ralf Schumacher (GER) are scheduled to complete their
first laps in the new FW25 at 14:30 hrs, and give their assessment of the
new chassis and BMW's new P83 power plant.
Patrick Head, Technical Director
of WilliamsF1 commented, "The chassis derives little from previous cars. The
approach has relied less on iteration, and instead has called for the
generation of new ideas. 2002 showed us that our chassis was a model of
reliability, but that there's still room for improvement particularly on the
aerodynamic front. That's why the FW25 is a completely new race car."
The FW25 is shorter than the FW24, under the skin all of the key
installations are reworked, not least of which is the drive train. In terms
of the aero package, WilliamsF1 has approached this car with a new
philosophy, which is apparent in the different visual appearance.
The FW25 was designed by a team led by Chief Designer Gavin Fisher at the
WilliamsF1 headquarters in Grove, while the engine was designed at the BMW
F1 factory in Munich under the guidance of Heinz Paschen (Director of F1
Development).
"To achieve our aims," added BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, "We
have built an even more powerful engine in Munich. Yet again, we were the
first to test it on the track and even earlier than last year. The BMW P83,
like its two predecessors, is designed to be the most powerful engine in
Formula One."
Team Principal Frank Williams confirmed "We are well prepared and completely
determined to get to the top. We have a new, innovative chassis as a product
of a completely different way of thinking. And with the P83, BMW has
developed another new and more powerful engine. With Juan Pablo Montoya and
Ralf Schumacher we have two winning drivers ably assisted by a skilled and
committed team. Moreover, we have been very impressed by the performance
steps taken by Michelin over the winter."
Referring to the targets for 2003, BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger
said, "We want to pick up from where we left off in terms of our qualifying
performance of 2002, especially under the new regulations for a single timed
lap. But for the 2003 season we have firmly resolved to claim more wins and
podium places. We're focused ahead while also keeping an eye on the
competition in the rear-view mirror."
The partnership between WilliamsF1 and BMW enters its fourth year in 2003,
and having so far demonstrated a year-on-year progression towards the
ultimate goal of securing a world championship title by 2004, both
organisations are acutely aware that there is significant expectation for
the season ahead to realise the team's ultimate ambitions.
A major initiative has been underway since June 2002 to better integrate the
WilliamsF1 and BMW operations. Process management improvements will more
closely integrate the partnership, accelerating the exchange of information,
linking production considerations between Oxford and Munich, and ultimately
delivering developments to the track in a shorter and more effective
fashion. However, with major changes envisaged after the January 15 FIA
meeting, the season is certain to be less predictable.
In spite of what is widely regarded as a difficult economic climate, the BMW
WilliamsF1 Team has maintained a strong commercial momentum going into the
2003 season. Before the New Year, the team announced renewals of long term
associations with Accenture (September) and Petrobras (December), bringing
the duration of these two partnerships to sixteen years in total. Reuters
also announced a renewed association with the team, with their branding now
visible on team assets such as radio headsets.
With an established principal
partnership with HP carrying over into 2003, other major sponsors such as
Allianz, FedEx and 7 Up (who have increased their commitment to the team)
are joined by two new global organisations for the new season ahead.
Technical sponsors Castrol and Michelin continue to contribute vital
technology and funds to the team.
Oris, the premium Swiss watch manufacturer join the BMW WilliamsF1 Team as
an official supplier as do PPG, the industrial conglomerate, who will supply
the team with specialist paint coatings.
In conclusion to a hectic commercial winter, BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal
Frank Williams said, "It is undoubtedly a tougher commercial terrain out
there, but I am extremely pleased that the team has managed to buck the
trend. It is heartening that both our existing partners continue to derive
value from their association with Formula One, and that we have attracted
valuable new partnerships with some extremely prestigious organisations."
Alongside Montoya and Schumacher, Spaniard Marc Gené, the team's official
test driver, will support the car's development programme. The first
official test session for the FW25 will start on the 1st of February at the
Circuit de Catalunya. |