2007 F1 Preview: Williams-Toyota
February 20th 2007 01:31
Car Number 16
Fast and learning
Stats
D.O.B: 27 June, 1985
Debut: Bahrain 2006, Williams-Cosworth
Starts: 18
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 1
Poles: 0
Points: 4
Nico Rosberg blasted into F1 superstardom early in 2006, scoring points in his first ever race at Bahrain, and set fastest lap along the way. He continued to impress, nailing third on the grid at Malaysia and getting more points at the Nurburgring. Then, however, he faded. Rosberg and teammate Mark Webber watched helplessly as other teams mercilessly carted the Williams’ to the back of the grid, die to unreliability and lack of development. But, while Webber still managed to put in some spirited performances right till the end, Nico receded into near obscurity and BMW’s Robert Kubica surpassed him in the young-gun stakes. Still, Rosberg’s glimpses of sheer pace cannot be forgotten, and after going through F1’s lows, the son of former champion, Keke, should be ready to experience the highs. He is talented, intelligent and ambitious, and should he smooth out his rough rookie edges, Rosberg could take his Williams-Toyota into high regions of the grid.
Car Number 17
Back in the saddle
Stats:
D.O.B: 15 February, 1974
Debut: Canada 1997, Bennetton-Renault
Starts: 53
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 1
Poles: 0
Points: 32
After spending years trapped in the dreaded third-driver waiting room, Wurz has finally been called up a race seat at Williams. With one race in 2005, subbing for the injured Juan Pablo Montoya, Wurz managed a podium place (aided by the disqualification of Honda’s Jenson Button) after five years out of the racing arena, so the issue of re-acclimatising to race situations shouldn’t be a problem for the towering Austrian. Wurz will definitely be an asset for Williams. He has long been applauded for his technical knowledge and input, and when given the right car, he will capitalise immediately. He is also a lot smarter than your average driver, making conversations with race engineers far more fruitful. This is a chance for Alex that he will eagerly grasp, and if he can help make the FW29 competitive, expect Wurz to lead the way.
The Team
Starts: 482
Wins: 113
Fastest Laps: 128
Poles: 125
Points: 2512.5
WDC: 7
WCC: 9
Test Drivers: Narain Karthikeyan (Ind), Kazuki Nakajima (Jap)
The new FW29 certainly looks the part
Williams are entering an important stage in their grand prix-racing lifetime. After growing accustomed to success, Williams now have to fight their way off the back of the grid and perhaps F1 extinction. However, on paper, it appears that Team Willy could just perhaps return to more prosperous form in season 2007.
Having finally snared a title sponsor over the winter, in AT&T, the financial pressure caused by BMW’s departure at the end of 2005 has been eased. That will certainly create a positive feeling for testing, with the team comfortable in the knowledge that they actually have the money to do so.
The switch to Bridgestone tyres in 2006 certainly stung the team last year, but it was, as ever, a move made with foresight. Williams will now have the advantage over other former Michelin teams who are just coming to grips with their new rubber, and less testing time will be spent on tyre acclimatisation, and more on improving the car.
Positive signs from testing
Then of course, is the question of the engine. Much was expected from last years Cosworth, which was a great engine – but a hopelessly unreliable one. Now, in another far-sighted arrangement, Williams have partnered with Toyota for three seasons. This will certainly help both teams initially, with Toyota giving Williams that manufacturer support that is oh-so vital in modern racing, and Williams reciprocating by rubbing some of their proud racing pedigree off on the win-hungry Japanese giant. The decision for Toyota to supply power to a team that could potentially better their own operation is still mysterious, but Williams will grab the opportunity, and the impressive Toyota RVX-07 with both hands.
Williams should trouble the point-scorers this year, and with luck, perhaps grab a podium or two. But the competition is incredibly stiff, and Williams will have to be on their game.
In a Nutshell:
Strengths: New sponsorship deal brings financial stability; excellent resources at their disposal; new partnership with Toyota.
Weaknesses: Process of rebuilding; chassis still questionable; reliability.
Scoreboard:
Drivers: 7/10
Engine: 7/10
Chassis: 6/10
Resources: 8/10
Personnel: 7/10
Total: 35/50
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