New Williams to miss first F1 test as team announces launch date

The team has announced that the FW35 will be unveiled at Barcelona on 19 February, the opening day of test two.

For the first test at Jerez on 5-8 February, Williams will run an updated version of its 2012 car. The team said its plan had always been to use an FW34 with development components at Jerez and save its fully-fledged 2013 machine for the second test.

"We will be running the FW34 (with 2013 livery) in Jerez to test a number of key development parts in preparation for the launch of the FW35," said a team statement.

Williams has retained Renault power for 2013, with Spanish Grand Prix winner Pastor Maldonado also staying on.

Former test driver Valtteri Bottas replaces Bruno Senna in the second car.

Last season the team took its first victory since 2004, but inconsistent form meant it only finished eighth in the constructors' championship.

2013 pre-season dates

Car launches

Team          Date
McLaren       January 31
Ferrari       February 1
Force India   February 1
Sauber        February 2
Red Bull      February 3
Mercedes      February 4
Toro Rosso    February 4
Williams      February 19

Testing

Venue         Date
Jerez         5-8 February
Barcelona     19-22 February
Barcelona     28 February-3 March