Might as well get a new thread for every new car Williams has become the first Formula 1 team to reveal its nose design for 2014 by releasing a rendering of the new Mercedes-powered FW36. New regulations for 2014 stipulate a high chassis with the nose tip at a height of 185mm, significantly lower than before. Williams has chosen the 'anteater' solution in this area, keeping the nose as high as possible for as long as possible to maximise airflow under the car before achieving the required height with a dramatic sweep downwards. These images are of the car's launch-specification, with an upgrade package due ahead of the season-opener. Although the new 1.6-litre engines will be key to performance this year, Williams chief technical officer Pat Symonds believes his team has also been able to take a step forward with aerodynamic performance. "F1 is still going to be an aerodynamic formula in 2014," said Symonds. "There are some significant changes: the nose is lower than last year and the front wing is narrower, which means the endplates are now more shrouded by the front tyre. "The rear wing isn't as deep as last year and the beam wing below it is no longer permitted, and we've also lost the ability to use the exhaust to enhance aero performance. HITTING THE WEIGHT LIMIT Williams has also been able to get the car down to the minimum weight limit of 690kg. This is despite concerns that the demands of the new regulations would make this difficult for teams to achieve. "The build of the new car has gone remarkably smoothly," said Symonds. "But it's been a challenge to get the car down to the weight limit. "It's been achievable, but it hasn't been easy because the new power unit is heavier than the outgoing V8." The Williams-Mercedes FW36 will make its on-track debut in the first pre-season test at Jerez, which kicks off on Tuesday. It will run in the blue 'heritage' livery throughout pre-season testing. http://www.williamsf1.com/Team/Media/Photos/The-Williams-Mercedes-FW36/ please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
That actually looks pretty good, obviously it would look better without the "anteater" but it's been blended into the nose nicely. Sounds like they've only just scraped under the minimum weight and will have very little room for ballast. I doubt they'd be able to get down to the minimum weight if they had Hulkenberg in it.
Why is it so hard to just change the regs in a way that doesn't make the nose look bloody ridiculous? Makes me wanna Hulk-smash!
Not pretty, but better than most. It'll look better with some sponsors, The front wing on the other hand is quite pretty.
please log in to view this image Craig Scarborough ‏@ScarbsF111m Williams low mounted winglets sit in a legal area and help replace the beam wing
I can't really believe that lack of sponsors. I was really hoping that Williams would take full advantage of this years regs changes. I hope they can get some good test times to help them get the sponsors they need.
When you look at the grid as a whole, there's a lack of sponsorship across the board. Look at how many teams are sponsored by the owners and related companies. There must be little value in it.
Bottas liking his new toy! “It’s a little bit more difficult, yeah,” he said after two days of testing in the FW36. “It is, definitely, with the torque, it’s just the power comes a little bit differently and you need a sensitive right foot for slippery conditions.” “I really enjoy driving this car,” he added, “I really think it’s good fun and the power feels nice so no complaints in that.” Bottas added the change to brake-by-wire suited his style of driving: “Obviously you’re harvesting more from the rear axle but at least with the Mercedes power unit it’s done very well, there’s been no problems with the braking.” “The brake-by-wire pedal feel is a little bit different, quite a bit stiffer, which I like. “We had a little braking system failure today which we managed to fix, it was not a big problem, just a small thing, and we know in the future how to operate it, so we learned that.” I'm Hoping he can get Williams back on the podium
Matt Somerfield ‏@SomersF11m Williams @WilliamsF1Team have a cockpit mounted dash display & Neweyesque Butterfly steering wheel Via @SuttonImages pic.twitter.com/pyIdcOdc3s please log in to view this image
Toro Rosso have mini tv's to keep them entertained while they wait for the pickup truck. please log in to view this image
Manny, is that for real or just something that has been knocked up someone to show what it would look like IF they were sponsored by Martini? (does look a bit amateurish so my hopes have been dashed a bit)
Love a bit of guess work to get us going. Maybe it is maybe it isn't I am not sure. But why not eh. Somebody must have gone to a lot of meaningless trouble if it isn't going to happen.
