Formula 1
Williams launch press release
With an innovative chassis, strong engine and raised expectations, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team unveiled its new car the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25 at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. The car launch ceremony began at 11:30 hrs in front of an audience of ...
Published: Jan 31, 2003, 7:00 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
With an innovative chassis, strong engine and raised expectations, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team unveiled its new car the WilliamsF1 BMW FW25 at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. The car launch ceremony began at 11:30 hrs in front of an audience of international media and guests. Team drivers Juan Pablo Montoya (COL) and Ralf Schumacher (GER) are scheduled to complete their first laps in the new FW25 at 14:30 hrs, and give their assessment of the new chassis and BMW's new P83 powerplant.
Patrick Head, Technical Director of WilliamsF1 commented, "The chassis derives little from previous cars. The approach has relied less on iteration, and instead has called for the generation of new ideas. 2002 showed us that our chassis was a model of reliability, but that there's still room for improvement particularly on the aerodynamic front. That's why the FW25 is a completely new race car."
The FW25 is shorter than the FW24, under the skin all of the key installations are reworked, not least of which is the drivetrain. In terms of the aero package, WilliamsF1 has approached this car with a new philosophy, which is apparent in the different visual appearance.
The FW25 was designed by a team led by Chief Designer Gavin Fisher at the WilliamsF1 headquarters in Grove, while the engine was designed at the BMW F1 factory in Munich under the guidance of Heinz Paschen (Director of F1 Development).
Referring to the targets for 2003, BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger said, "We want to pick up from where we left off in terms of our qualifying performance of 2002, especially under the new regulations for a single timed lap. But for the 2003 season we have firmly resolved to claim more wins and podium places. We're focused ahead while also keeping an eye on the competition in the rear- view mirror."
The partnership between WilliamsF1 and BMW enters its fourth year in 2003, and having so far demonstrated a year-on-year progression towards the ultimate goal of securing a world championship title by 2004, both organisations are acutely aware that there is significant expectation for the season ahead to realise the team's ultimate ambitions.
A major initiative has been underway since June 2002 to better integrate the WilliamsF1 and BMW operations. Process management improvements will more closely integrate the partnership, accelerating the exchange of information, linking production considerations between Oxford and Munich, and ultimately delivering developments to the track in a shorter and more effective fashion. However, with major changes envisaged after the January 15 FIA meeting, the season is certain to be less predictable.
In spite of what is widely regarded as a difficult economic climate, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team has maintained a strong commercial momentum going into the 2003 season. Before the New Year, the team announced renewals of long term associations with Accenture (September) and Petrobras (December), bringing the duration of these two partnerships to sixteen years in total. Reuters also announced a renewed association with the team, with their branding now visible on team assets such as radio headsets. With an established principal partnership with HP carrying over into 2003, other major sponsors such as Allianz, FedEx and 7 Up (who have increased their commitment to the team) are joined by two new global organisations for the new season ahead. Technical sponsors Castrol and Michelin continue to contribute vital technology and funds to the team.
Oris, the premium Swiss watch manufacturer join the BMW WilliamsF1 Team as an official supplier as do PPG, the industrial conglomerate, who will supply the team with specialist paint coatings.
In conclusion to a hectic commercial winter, BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "It is undoubtedly a tougher commercial terrain out there, but I am extremely pleased that the team has managed to buck the trend. It is heartening that both our existing partners continue to derive value from their association with Formula One, and that we have attracted valuable new partnerships with some extremely prestigious organisations."
-williams-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Interview with Jos Verstappen
Next article BMW P83 engine for 2003
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Juan Pablo Montoya
Team Penske and Chevrolet announce multi-year extension of IndyCar partnership
IndyCar
IndyCar
Team Penske and Chevrolet announce multi-year extension of IndyCar partnership
Juan Pablo Montoya admires Franco Colapinto's "aggressive" approach despite Baku crash
Formula 1
Formula 1
Azerbaijan GP
Juan Pablo Montoya admires Franco Colapinto's "aggressive" approach despite Baku crash
Williams tipped for "huge step" forward at Azerbaijan GP with major upgrade
Formula 1
Formula 1
Spanish GP
Williams tipped for "huge step" forward at Azerbaijan GP with major upgrade
More from
Williams
James Vowles explains request for review of F1 cost cap
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
James Vowles explains request for review of F1 cost cap
Williams Racing is suing a local garage owner for £1million
Formula 1
Formula 1
Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Williams Racing is suing a local garage owner for £1million
Latest news
Why Jorge Martín was not penalised for jump start in Indonesia
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Indonesian GP
12 min
Why Jorge Martín was not penalised for jump start in Indonesia
Palou pushes IndyCar’s IR-28 chassis to the limit in rugged Sebring test
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 22 min
Palou pushes IndyCar’s IR-28 chassis to the limit in rugged Sebring test
Why McLaren cannot fix its F1 car handling until 2027
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
53 min
Why McLaren cannot fix its F1 car handling until 2027
Christian Horner clears air on “dream job” Ferrari rumours and sets return terms
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
1 h
Christian Horner clears air on “dream job” Ferrari rumours and sets return terms
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe