Page 1 of 1 During the last couple of seasons Williams F1 braved on as an independent team while most other top teams could rely on substantial support from major manufacturers. Using a Toyota customer engine, the British team showed regularly that more money does not always equal more speed. At many races the Williams proved quicker than the similarly engined but much better funded Toyotas.
Possibly anticipating the withdrawal of its Japanese engine supplier, Williams announced relatively early in 2009 that it would switch to Cosworth power for 2010. To house the British-built V8 engine the Williams engineers had to basically start from scratch with their design for the FW32. The regulations were only modified in detail with the ban on re-refueling as the most prominent change. Obviously a larger fuel-tank was called for, requiring further changes to the design.
The 2009 season had seen a complete revision of the aerodynamics regulations. If that was not difficult enough testing during the year was also banned. So the off-season provided the teams the first change to convert the lessons learned in real changes. As one of the few teams, Williams did not follow the lead of designer Adrian Newey, who fitted a very distinct sloping nose on the 2009 Red Bull. The FW32 in turn has a tall nose, accentuated by the long supports for the front wing.
Not only did the team change engine supplier, it also employed two new drivers. The best known is Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello, who ended the 2009 season third in the driver's tables. He will be joined by the highly talented Nico Hulkenberg from Germany. The 22-year old won the 2009 GP2 Championship with a commanding 25 point lead and served as Williams' reserve driver during for two seasons. Page 1 of 1
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During the last couple of seasons Williams F1 braved on as an independent team while most other top teams could rely on substantial support from major manufacturers. Using a Toyota customer engine, the British team showed regularly that more money does not always equal more speed. At many races the Williams proved quicker than the similarly engined but much better funded Toyotas.