Williams launch: New car aims

Last year's FW23 took Williams back to the winner's circle for the first time since 1997, but the car was not consistently competitive to challenge for the world championship. Reliability was weaker than hoped for and, thanks to the power of BMW's engine, Williams gained a reputation as a high-speed circuit specialist.

Now technical director Patrick Head wants to take the team a step further. "If you know in advance that on some circuit's you're not going to win on your own merits, then the car isn't good enough," he said. "Further improving the aerodynamics and reliability were our primary goals when it came to the FW24."

Chief designer Gavin Fisher explained why the new car looks so similar to last year's FW23. "The 2002 season sees few regulation changes," he said. "That brings with it the increased challenge to improve on a car which is already in a relatively high state of evolution.

"In many respects, it is more stimulating for a designer if the canvas is blank when it comes to starting on the development of the next car. As you progress, the opportunities for improvement are marginalised, and increasing amounts of effort must be expended for diminshing returns."

Along with an all-new BMW engine, the P82, Fisher and his team had to intergrate a new gearbox into the chassis. "The design work we have done in conjunction with BMW has further optimised the engine installation," he said. "As always, we are striving to minimise weight and package volume, providing consequential gains in car dynamics and aero systems efficiency."