This new profile was conceived in tandem with a twin-keel monocoque design, aiding air flow both under and over the front geometries of the car, and improving overall aerodynamics right through to the rear wing of the FW26. A narrower sidepod footprint, enabled by revised cooling packaging, augments the front profile of the car and enhances aerodynamics.
“We have made some big steps with the new car,” said Montoya, who drove the car at the Valencia circuit for the first time shortly after it was unveiled to the world’s media. “If we can start the season as strong as we were in the latter part of 2003, we have a good shot at both championships. This season there is an even greater degree of expectation about the potential of this car. I hope that the car will be quick right away, but we now have the benefit of a clear, two-month test program in Spain before the first race.”
While the 2003 FW25 became a competitive car after a shaky start, the team decided to do more than just build an updated version of last year’s model.
“You cannot stand still or relax your development pace for a single minute in F1,” said Williams Chief Designer Gavin Fisher. “The sport’s history is populated with teams who thought that they had made it to the top, only to find that the game has moved on around them.
“For sure, the FW26 could have been a straightforward evolution of the FW25, and it undoubtedly would have been a quick car. But a car quick enough to win the title? That would have been too dependent on the relative performance of the other teams. We wanted to ensure that we had pushed our development as far as it could go.”
Last year, it took the team several races to get the FW25 dialed in. That’s why the 2004 FW26 debuted so early.
“In 2003, it became evident that we suffered performance-wise as a consequence of launching our car relatively late on in the winter,” said Williams Chief Operations Engineer Sam Michael. “Refining the car took some time, and as a consequence of this, we didn’t win a race until Monaco, seven races into the year. The reason we are here unveiling the FW26 in order to bring our test program forward really doesn’t need any more explaining.”
Williams last won the FIA World Drivers Championship in 1997 with 1995 Indianapolis 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve.
“Our ambition is to win our first championship since 1997,” said Williams Technical Director Patrick Head. “This has been the longest period Williams has gone without winning a World Championship, and we want to change that.”
Montoya already has signed a contract to drive for West McLaren-Mercedes in 2005, but he insists that will not alter his motivation or the team’s dedication in 2004.
“It depends on how good the car is, but both are drivers are potential World Champions,” said team owner Sir Frank Williams. “I have no doubt about Juan’s commitment. He is a born racer and will give 100 percent.”
Montoya believes the entire Williams-BMW team will continue to give him full support.
“They knew that I was leaving before the end of ‘03,” Montoya said. “I am 100 percent committed to Williams. We have a realistic chance at winning the World Championship, and neither of us are going to throw away that chance. We are here to win.”
While they are not close friends, Schumacher is not happy that Montoya will join McLaren.
“It is a shame that he is leaving – that’s no lie,” Schumacher said. “We have a good relationship.”
The improvements and changes to the FW26 concern more than just the front-end treatment. New rules require a larger engine cover and a rear wing that consists of only two elements. Beneath that engine cover is the new BMW P84 V10 engine. In 2004, each driver is limited to a single engine for the entire Grand Prix weekend.
“This new engine rule is a big challenge,” said BMW Motorsport Director Dr. Mario Theissen, “ and it was very important to get the new engine up and running as soon as possible.”
The P84 has already been tested on the dyno and in one of last year’s cars. Despite having to make a more robust and reliable engine to cope with the new rules, which require the engine to last 500 miles (800 km) rather than 250 miles (400 km), Theissen said the P84 engine is not much heavier and has not lost that much power compared to last year’s P83. The P83 delivered more than 900 horsepower at 19,200 rpm by the final race of the 2003 season.
“At the start of 2003, I would have guessed at a reduction of 10 percent in overall engine speed for 2004,” Theissen said. “We’re reckoning on less now.”
BMW and Williams worked closely to design a new gearbox and differential that is more compact and aerodynamic compared to the 2003 unit. Because engine longevity is more important now, the gearbox has seven speeds, compared to six in 2003, so that the engine will not have to be pushed quite so hard.
“I have tested some of the new elements of the FW26,” Schumacher said,” and individually they all have been a real step forward, whether the engine, the new gearbox or all the other smaller but nonetheless significant components. So I am really fascinated to see how all of this works together. It would be fair to say that my expectations are very high.”
Looking ahead to the 2004 season, Montoya reflected upon 2003.
“If we are honest, after a great midseason, we didn’t finish 2003 so well,” said Montoya, who saw his final championship hopes dashed after a series of problems in the 2003 United States Grand Prix. “Winter gives us time to reflect on all the shortcomings, and our main intention is come out fighting from Australia (March 7); no excuses. In seasons gone by, we have always looked to see where the opposition is after the winter. I hope that this year the other teams at least will have as much concern about our performance as we traditionally do about theirs.”
Since it was formed by Williams and Head in 1977, the Williams team has won nine Constructors Championships, seven Drivers Championships, 112 Grands Prix and 123 pole positions.
Frank Williams wants to add to those numbers in 2004.
“Our ambition can be nothing other than winning most races, steal Ferrari’s crown and add another championship title to the record,” he said. “Having any less ambition at the start of the year would be wrong. Our aspirations are higher than they were a year ago. We will be disappointed if we are not first in the championship.”
