The Williams FW35 Cuts Off Its Nose and Gets 80% New Parts

WilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
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has finally revealed its 2013 Formula 1 car called the FW35. The team did not take part in the first test session at Jerez and waited until this week’s test at the Circuit de Catalunya to reveal the car.

The most radical change to the FW35 over last year’s car is the nose. The team not only flattened out the nose, they also cut it off. The nose ends abruptly in a diagonal cut, and the front wing extends past the nose. It is the only car on the grid to experiment with such a design.

The team says that while the rest of the car looks similar, 80% of it has been changed. There is a new transmission, new rear suspension, new radiators, new floor design, Coanda exhaust layout and change to the weight distribution. The look of the car will also change before the Australian Grand Prix with an upgrade to the bodywork. The exhaust layout has not been finalized yet either, the FIA has not issued an official rule on the layout yet, and Williams is going to work with Renault to alter the layout to maximize its effect.

“Given the rule stability over the winter. I’m pleased with the gains that we’ve been able to make with this car. It’s a better, more refined Formula One car than the FW34 and I think everyone involved in the project can feel proud of the work they’ve done,” said Williams Technical Director Mike Coughlan.

Williams’ drivers will be Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas for the season. The test driver will be Susie Wolff.

“We’ve been working hard to develop the car and improve our performance. Last year we won a race and were competitive, but this season we must be even more competitive which I believe is possible. Consistency will be our aim to close the gap to the teams in front,” said Maldonado.