Formula 1 News

Williams FW32 debuts at Valencia 

The Williams F1 team debuted their 2010 challenger, the FW32, at Valencia today for day one of a three day test at the Spanish track.

Williams driver Rubens Barrichello opened the test, covering 75 laps and setting the sixth fastest time of the day with a 1:14.449.

Barrichello will continue work with the car tomorrow while Nico Hulkenberg will take over testing duties on Wednesday.

“It was a productive first day testing, with the car completing 75 laps in total,” said at the end of the day Williams Technical Director Sam Michael.

“Considering everything is new, in particular the Cosworth engine installation, it was good to get through the day without any major problems. We did have a minor software issue with the throttle control towards the end of the session, but that is easily sorted out for tomorrow. We are well underway with set-up work now and tuning the FW32 around the new Bridgestone tyres,” he added.

Williams FW32 Technical Specifications:

• Chassis construction: Monocoque construction fabricated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb composite structure, surpassing FIA impact and strength requirements
• Front suspension: Carbon fibre double wishbone arrangement, with composite toelink and pushrod activated springs and anti-roll bar
• Rear suspension: Double wishbone and pushrod activated springs and anti-roll bar
• Transmission: Williams F1 seven-speed seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear. Gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated
• Clutch: Carbon multi-plate
• Dampers: Williams F1
• Wheels: RAYS forged magnesium
• Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza, F 325mm wide, R 375mm wide
• Brake system: 6 piston callipers all round, carbon discs and pads
• Steering: Williams F1 power assisted rack and pinion
• Fuel system: Kevlar-reinforced rubber bladder
• Electronic systems: FIA standard electronic control unit
• Cooling system: Aluminium oil, water, and gearbox radiators
• Cockpit: Driver six-point safety harness with 75mm shoulder straps & HANS system, removable anatomically formed carbon fibre seat covered in Alcantara
• Engine: Cosworth 2.4L V8, 90° V angle engine, pneumatic valve train. Fuel management and ignition systems by Cosworth. Engine materials include block and pistons in aluminium, crankshaft in steel billet, connecting rods in titanium
• Dimensions: Overall width: 1800mm

Images © Williams F1