| The nose of the new BMW Williams FW26 caused quite a stir when the Grove based squad unveiled it for the very first time in early January, even die hard Formula One media found it hard to disguise their surprise at the twin-keel design.
Apart from it’s look, the new car has already proven that it will be a force to be reckoned with after setting some very impressive lap times in pre season testing sessions around Europe, a result that team boss Sir Franck Williams, had hoped for….
"I knew there had been quite a significant step forward in the wind tunnel, which is why we did it," he said. "I wasn't that negative about it, though there was clearly a lot a fuss. It's not that pretty, but it's not ugly either, it's just the front of the car. It's all about being adventurous and creative - having a go and taking a risk."
As confirmed by the team’s technical director, Patrick Head, the new nose may not be an item of beauty but it came out on top in the wind tunnel tests and that dictates which way the team eventually goes.
“People have focused on it because it's the nose and therefore it tends to take on a greater significance," he explained, adding that it is not the only new innovation on this year’s contender. "As an example, the sidepods on the FW26 are further back, instead of sloping inwards and towards the chassis. That required a tremendous amount of work on the monocoque for the side impact test."
Added to this is of course the new reliable BMW P84 engine making it an all round competitive package as the season opener in Melbourne next weekend should prove.
“Over the winter we completed a very intensive test programme in preparation for the new season. Since 4th September 2003, when we first ran the BMW P84 engine at Monza, we have clocked up more than 20,000 test kilometres with the new unit. From the outset, it became clear that the fundamentals of the P84 were right, so from there it was a case of endurance testing to ensure the engine's life span could conform to the new regulations,” explained Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director.
“During the winter testing, we successfully completed a number of simulated race weekends, i.e. covering 800 kilometres in realistic conditions. Starting development early has paid off, although we still have to be prepared for any surprises, including excessive heat, or failed starts, for example, which cannot be adequately represented in testing. As for the engine's performance, we have made good headway in this as well. During the concept phase for the one engine per weekend rule, we were anticipating a shortfall of power by up to ten percent. However, I envisage reaching our maximum output levels we achieved in 2003 this year, in other words over 900 bhp. In conclusion, we feel well equipped for the start of the new season.”
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