(Williams Martini Racing Team via youtube WilliamsF1TV)
The Williams Martini Racing Team launched their 2015 car,
the FW37 in Jerez pit-lane this morning. The Grove based outfit will be aiming
for another successful season following a fantastic year in 2014 which saw the
team finish the year in third place in the championship.
(Williams Martini Racing Team via Twitter)
The 2015 season sees the team retain both Valtteri Bottas and
Felipe Massa as their race drivers while Susie Wolff steps up to the role of
official test and reserve driver having impressed the team last season during
outings in the car at the British and German Grand Prix.
The Scottish driver will get her first opportunity to drive
the new FW37 at the second winter test which takes place in Barcelona from
February 19-22. The team have a new driver this season as Alex Lynn joins them
having competed in the GP3 championship last season. Lynn is not the only new
face at the team this season as they have expanded their partnership portfolio
too.
(Williams Martini Racing Team via Twitter)
UK clothing firm Hackett, Sportswear manufacturer Alpinestars
and deodorant manufacturer Rexona are a just a number of new partners that have
arrived to the team over the course of the winter.
Speaking at the launch of the new car, Team Principal and
company founder, Sir Frank Williams stated:
‘After such a strong season in 2014 we are looking to
continue the move back towards the front of the grid. The move from ninth to
third was a tough challenge, but ultimately every step up from now on will be
even harder. I am confident that we have the appropriate personnel and talent
in this team to make those steps.
‘We have an experienced driver line-up, with both drivers finishing on the podium throughout last year and hungry for more success in 2015, new commercial partners to add to the continued support from our already impressive roster, and have a technical team that is amongst the best on the grid. ‘
I am looking forward to seeing the car in testing and
assessing how other teams have fared over the winter in comparison to us. We
should, once again, have a very exciting season ahead of us which will
hopefully bring more success to Williams.’
Valtteri Bottas, who is driving the car today stated:
‘Coming into a season after third position in the
Constructors’ Championship carries the weight of a lot of expectation. Other
teams and our fans are expecting a performance like last year, and all the
personnel at Williams have been working tirelessly to make sure this is not
only achievable but the benchmark for improvement.
For much of last year we had the second fastest car, and
this year we plan to take every opportunity to challenge at the front. After my
first podium in 2014 I hope to continue developing as a driver as I aim for my
first win. I look forward to working closely with Felipe again this year as we
strengthen our relationship to extract the most from the car.’
Felipe Massa commented on the new car saying:
‘The momentum we carry from last year has been very
encouraging, the team has changed so much from 12 months ago and it is clear to
see everyone is heading in a good direction. The development rate of the FW36
was one of the most exciting elements to the car, the team worked exceptionally
hard throughout the year to make sure that we had a faster car at each race,
and I look forward to a similarly impressive car this year. I am excited to be
continuing to work with Valtteri, a driver with so much talent who has so much
to offer both the team and me as his teammate.’
Williams Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director,
Claire Williams stated:
‘The team learnt and developed a lot in 2014 and this has
made us a better team and well prepared for the challenges that face us as we
head into a new season. We are all eager to see where we are in comparison to
our rivals.
We have worked hard over the past six months to get this
car ready, but it is in no way the final product, we have a lot of work to do
throughout the season as we push for constant improvements in performance. I am
incredibly confident in the team around me and the line-up we have that 2015
can make it another successful and exciting year for Williams Martini Racing,
and now can’t wait to get back on track.’
(Williams Martini Racing Team via Twitter)
© Ben Johnston 2015
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