Williams launches FW22 in Barcelona

The outfit unveiled the FW22 at the Circuit de Catalunya after spending the weekend testing the car at the Spanish circuit.

Williams also announced that computer giant Compaq would one of its sponsors this season, and that young British racer Jenson Button would be driving alongside Ralf Schumacher.

According to the team's chief designer, Gavin Fisher, the FW22 is an evolution of last year's racecar.

'The philosophy behind the FW22 has been one of intelligent design evolution rather than revolution,' he said.

'Although our final championship position last year was somewhat short of what we hoped, there were specific performances which showed that the basic principles of the car were based on solid foundations.

'There are no substantial regulation changes this year, but we are, of course, beginning a new era with BMW.

'A new engine brings new problems that require new solutions.'

Chief aerodynamicist Geoff Willis added: 'Aerodynamically last year's car was very competitive in low and medium trim, but suffered from problems at higher downforce circuits.

'We have made a good improvement with the overall aerodynamic performance so far and have focused on solving the characteristic problems of last year.'