Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Williams FW35 revealed in Barcelona [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/williams-fw35-revealed-in-barcelona-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/williams-fw35-revealed-in-barcelona-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/williams-fw35-revealed-in-barcelona-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



The last Formula One car to be revealed for the 2013 season, the Williams FW35, is here. Unveiled at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona before the second pre-season test, the FW35 is - like every other car on the grid - an evolution of last year's car. Both team drivers Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas have said the car is a big step up from last year in overall driveability and "rear-end cornering grip."

The back of the Williams is most like that of the Ferrari F138 chassis, but perhaps even more compact. The aero fin extends well back from the engine cover but the engine cover ends well ahead of the rear differential, making for a truly wasp-ish profile. That major focus of work on the car has been the incorporation and refinement of the Coanda-channel exhaust. Williams said it was hesitant to introduce it last year because of the loss in power that results, but the solution they've come up with has limited the power reduction while maintaining aero benefits. The only problem now is that the FIA has told the team, and Caterham, that their solutions might not be legal - they can run the exhaust in testing, but come Australia it might be declared out of bounds.

You can see the FW35 in action and listen to the team discuss its development in the video below.

Continue reading Williams FW35 revealed in Barcelona [w/video]

Williams FW35 revealed in Barcelona [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula onepastor maldonadovaltteri bottaswilliamswilliams f1Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20467246/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/williams-fw35-revealed-in-barcelona-w-video/20467246/article-detail.xml 20467246 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/williamsfw35_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/williamsfw35.jpg <![CDATA[Europe's legendary Renault Clio Williams poised for 2014 return]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/europes-legendary-renault-clio-williams-poised-for-2014-return/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/europes-legendary-renault-clio-williams-poised-for-2014-return/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/14/europes-legendary-renault-clio-williams-poised-for-2014-return/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As soon as the Williams Formula 1 team inked an engine supply deal with Renault in 2011, auto journos salivated at the thought of a new Renault Clio Williams. (This was after the return of Gordini, during the rumors of the return of Alpine, before the rumors of the Initiale brand, and long before the new Clio was introduced.) The original Clio Williams arrived in 1993 to celebrate Nigel Mansell's 1992 F1 World Championship in his Williams-Renault. In fact, Williams had nothing to do with the hatchback other than donating its name, but the public couldn't get enough of its performance. There were only supposed to be 3,800, but Renault eventually produced 12,100 Clio Williams' in three series.

Renault hasn't publicly said a word about the possibility of a new version of that legendary hot hatch, but Autocar says "well placed sources" have assured it that a new Clio Williams is on the way. A raunchier take on the Clio RenaultSport 200, the Williams edition is rumored to get 220 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a bump of 20 hp over the RS 200.

Autocar goes on to say that the Clio Williams is around 18 months away, slated to arrive after the RS 200 completes its run. It's unclear whether Williams will assist with its development - the RenaultSport division created the original on its own - but Autocar suggests that Williams' forays into customer-car applications might give it a way in. An announcement from Renault could come as early as this year.

Europe's legendary Renault Clio Williams poised for 2014 return originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio rsclio rs 200clio williamsrenaultrenault clio williamsrenaultsportwilliams f1Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/14/europes-legendary-renault-clio-williams-poised-for-2014-return/20347522/article-detail.xml 20347522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/cliowilliamscoming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/cliowilliamscoming.jpg <![CDATA[Topiary Williams F1 car wins flower show gold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/topiary-williams-f1-car-wins-flower-show-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/topiary-williams-f1-car-wins-flower-show-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/topiary-williams-f1-car-wins-flower-show-gold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Williams F1 topiary

An unusual topiary sculpture took the top honors at this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London. It took King & Co. a full seven years to grow these bushes into a replica of a Williams F1 car, including a full standing pit crew.

Owner Paul King said he wasn't entirely sure the design would be embraced by the Chelsea judges because of its off-the-wall nature, but the show's organizers took a shine to the creation, and even Sir Frank Williams, founder and team principal of the Williams F1 team, stopped by the show to take a look. The piece also featured a few components from an F1 car and Bruno Senna's race helmet.

There's no word if the Williams team will roll out of the paddock with a Miracle Grow livery next year.

Topiary Williams F1 car wins flower show gold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chelsea flower showf1flower showtopiarytopiary f1 carwilliamswilliams F1Thu, 24 May 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/topiary-williams-f1-car-wins-flower-show-gold/20242989/article-detail.xml 20242989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/britainchelseaflowershow.4d8a46fb90fc4357857f2f8d44aaf82a-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/britainchelseaflowershow.4d8a46fb90fc4357857f2f8d44aaf82a-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fire at the Spanish Grand Prix

Yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix was an enormous cause for celebration for Williams. The Formula One team that was once at the very top of its game hadn't won a race since 2004, but it broke that losing streak when Pastor Maldonado claimed the checkered flag for the team against Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen and against all odds. But the celebrations in the team's garage were cut short when a massive fire broke out just after the race.

The fire erupted an hour and a half after the grand prix's conclusion as team members were toasting their victory in the garage on pit lane, sending smoke billowing out over the track. Members of other teams - Force India and Caterham chief among them - quickly sprung into action to help their comrades put out the fire. A total of 31 people were subsequently sent to the emergency medical center on site, with all but one treated and released. The remaining Williams team member is being treated for burns suffered in the incident and is expected to be sent back to the UK for further treatment in the coming days.

Officials are still looking into the cause of the fire, which reportedly emanated from the racecar that Bruno Senna drove until it was disabled in a collision with Michael Schumacher that took both cars out of the race. Suspicions center around a malfunction in the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The incident is not the first time a Williams facility suffered from a fire, the factory back in Grove having caught on fire a few years ago. Scroll down to watch video of the incident in Barcelona this weekend.

Continue reading Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix

Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonaf1fireformula 1formula onespainspanish grand prixvideowilliamswilliams f1williams fireMon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/20237712/article-detail.xml 20237712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/espgp-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/espgp-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Adam Parr steps down as chairman of Williams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/adam-parr-steps-down-as-chairman-of-williams/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/adam-parr-steps-down-as-chairman-of-williams/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/adam-parr-steps-down-as-chairman-of-williams/#commentsFiled under: ,

Adam Parr

Williams without Frank Williams just wouldn't be Williams, but the elderly, wheelchair-bound founder of the eponymous Formula One team knows he can't be running things forever. That's where Adam Parr came in, but now he's on his way out.

Parr joined Williams back in 2006 as chief executive officer, was subsequently promoted to chairman in 2010, and was seen by many - including Sir Frank himself - as a potential successor to take over the team when the founder was ready to retire. Under his direction, Parr oversaw a comprehensive restructuring of the team's technical staff, a new engine supply deal with Renault, the team's emergence as a hybrid powertrain consultant outside the sport, and the company's IPO.

However, Williams has officially announced that Parr is stepping down and leaving the company. In his place will be appointed Nick Rose, a board member of Williams Grand Prix Holdings and a former CFO of liquor giant Diageo. No word on where Parr will be headed next - the statement after the jump alludes only to his desire to find "a better balance in his life" - or the real reason behind his departure, but it looks like Sir Frank will have to find a new successor.

Continue reading Adam Parr steps down as chairman of Williams

Adam Parr steps down as chairman of Williams originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam parrf1formula 1formula onefrank williamswilliamswilliams f1williams grand prixwilliams grand prix engineeringwilliams grand prix holdingsWed, 28 Mar 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/28/adam-parr-steps-down-as-chairman-of-williams/20201082/article-detail.xml 20201082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/parr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/parr.jpg <![CDATA[Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Williams FW34 F1 racer

If there's ever been an example of a hero fallen from grace, surely it's Williams. Once dominant in Formula 1, it's been relegated to "also ran" status, but the privateer entry is intent on clawing its way back up to the top.

Williams has infused its management, technical staff and its driver roster with fresh blood. It signed a new engine deal with Renault, whose powerplants drove Williams to successive World Championship titles decades ago, and helped Red Bull rule F1 the past two years.

The team unveiled its new challenger at Jerez, where the season got underway with the first test session of the new year. The new FW34 - so named as the 34th grand prix car produced by Frank Williams - wears the lamentable stepped nose, tighter side pods, and tighter rear quarters that are characteristic of all the 2012 F1 cars unveiled so far.

KERS and DRS systems are intended to help the FW34 keep up with the competition, but only time will tell whether drivers Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado will be able to make the most of it and drive Williams back to its former glory.

Williams aims to restore former glory with new FW34 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruno sennaf1formula 1formula onefw34jerezmaldonadopastor maldonadosennawilliamswilliams f1williams fw34williams-renaultSun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/williams-aims-to-restore-former-glory-with-new-fw34/20166585/article-detail.xml 20166585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webfw34.jpg <![CDATA[Coughlan promoted to technical chief as Raikkonen rumors circle at Williams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/coughlan-promoted-to-technical-chief-as-raikkonen-rumors-circle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/coughlan-promoted-to-technical-chief-as-raikkonen-rumors-circle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/coughlan-promoted-to-technical-chief-as-raikkonen-rumors-circle/#commentsFiled under: ,

Williams

As fast as tarmac and competing drivers can vanish behind you in Formula One racing, so can the unfortunate events of the past. In some cases, anyway. Flavio Briatore may still be banned from the sport due to his involvement in the Crashgate debacle, but Mike Coughlan is making short business of putting his scandal behind him, and returning to F1 racing in a big way.

As you may recall, Coughlan was a central figure in the Spygate scandal between McLaren and Ferrari. While waiting for his suspension to expire, he went over to NASCAR and helped Waltrip engineer some new cars. Then when the coast was clear, he jumped back into F1 with Williams. That resulted in a lawsuit, but now that that's all cleared up, Williams has confirmed Coughlan as its new technical director - the #2 position in any F1 team.

It's a move that's been anticipated by many ever since Coughlan was initially hired as chief engineer back in May, around the same time that outgoing technical director Sam Michael left the team. But the announcement - made by company chairman Adam Parr at this weekend's Indian Grand Prix - is hardly the end of the rumors circulating around Williams.

Back in September we reported on rumors that Kimi Raikkonen was negotiating a potential return to Formula One with Williams. The 2007 world champion left the series after the 2009 championship when Ferrari wanted to make room for Fernando Alonso. Since then he's been racing in the World Rally Championship and in NASCAR, biding his time until he could find a top team with a shot at the title with which he could return to the series he once dominated.

Those rumors are now intensifying, suggesting that Kimi could be brought in to replace Rubens Barrichello and partner with the young Pastor Maldonado. If true, they'd ostensibly demonstrate tremendous faith on Raikkonen's part in a team that was once at the very top and has been clawing its way back up ever since.

Coughlan promoted to technical chief as Raikkonen rumors circle at Williams originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coughlankimi raikkonenmike coughlanraikkonenwilliamswilliams f1williams grand prixwilliams grand prix engineeringTue, 01 Nov 2011 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/coughlan-promoted-to-technical-chief-as-raikkonen-rumors-circle/20094474/article-detail.xml 20094474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/10606-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/10606-2.jpg <![CDATA[Waltrip, Williams racing teams settle lawsuit out of court]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/waltrip-williams-racing-teams-settle-lawsuit-out-of-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/waltrip-williams-racing-teams-settle-lawsuit-out-of-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/waltrip-williams-racing-teams-settle-lawsuit-out-of-court/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frank Williams

Racing fans on either side of the Atlantic may be familiar with the name Mike Coughlan. The controversial engineer was at the heart of the Spygate scandal between the McLaren and Ferrari teams a few years back and was subsequently ejected from Formula One. While he was waiting for his banishment to expire, he came over to the U.S. where he was working for Michael Waltrip Racing in NASCAR. But as soon as his sentence was up, he was back in F1 with the Williams team. Trouble is, his contract with Waltrip wasn't quite up yet.

As a result, MWR launched a lawsuit against Williams - oddly not against Coughlan, though - for poaching their employee. At the time, we said we doubted we'd heard the last of the case, but it seems we may have now as the parties have reportedly settled out of court.

The details of the ostensibly amicable settlement haven't been released, but whatever they arrived at has apparently left both teams happy to have closed the matter. In fact, Waltrip has even invited Williams to a NASCAR race as their guest, something the aging team leader is apparently excited to observe for the first time. All's well that ends well, then.

Waltrip, Williams racing teams settle lawsuit out of court originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coughlancourtfrank williamslawsuitmichael waltripmichael waltrip racingmike coughlanwaltripwilliamswilliams f1williams grand prixwilliams grand prix engineeringMon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/waltrip-williams-racing-teams-settle-lawsuit-out-of-court/20088359/article-detail.xml 20088359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/williams-cockpit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/williams-cockpit.jpg <![CDATA[Raikkonen negotiating F1 return with Williams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/raikkonen-negotiating-f1-return-with-williams/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/raikkonen-negotiating-f1-return-with-williams/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/raikkonen-negotiating-f1-return-with-williams/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kimi Raikkonen

Over the course of his nine seasons on the Formula One grid, Kimi Raikkonen only drove for a handful of teams, making his debut with Sauber before switching to McLaren in only his second season, then to Ferrari after five seasons for another three more that included his solitary World Championship. But since his departure two years ago, the Finnish driver has been linked to more teams than he ever drove for in the first place.

Rumors have had him plotting his return with Renault, Red Bull, Toyota, Mercedes GP and even a test role with Pirelli. All this in addition to competing in the World Rally Championship, NASCAR, and potentially at Le Mans, making the 2007 World Champion arguably the most versatile - and enigmatic - pro driver in the world. But while previous negotiations have apparently all failed (or failed to satisfy his conditions) they're not about to die. At least the rumors won't.

The latest reports place Raikkonen at Williams, the team reportedly confirming that it recently hosted the former champ at its headquarters in Grove, England. Of course, that doesn't mean that Kimi has signed with the once-great team, but we can't imagine him sightseeing in the British midlands without purpose, either.

It's no great secret that Williams - wielder of seven Drivers' Titles, nine Constructors' Championships and 113 grand prix victories - is very far from its glory days, but with a new engine supply deal with Renault and an injection of fresh management and cash, there's no telling how quickly the team could find its pace once again. Especially with a proven talent like Raikkonen behind the wheel.

Raikkonen negotiating F1 return with Williams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onekimikimi raikkonenraikkonenwilliamswilliams f1williams grand prix engineeringMon, 19 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20046085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/raikkonen-negotiating-f1-return-with-williams/20046085/article-detail.xml 20046085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/raikkonen-hat-tip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/raikkonen-hat-tip.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR team sues F1 team over contract dispute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/nascar-team-sues-f1-team-over-contract-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/nascar-team-sues-f1-team-over-contract-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/nascar-team-sues-f1-team-over-contract-dispute/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Michael Waltrip

As far as racing disciplines go, Formula One and NASCAR are about as different as can be. They run entirely different kinds of cars, on different kinds of tracks, for different types of fans, from garages on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Recent years have seen a handful of F1 drivers trying their hand at stock car racing, but the latest clash of civilizations is set to play itself out not on the race track, but in the court room.

The issue, it seems, is over one Mike Coughlan. The British racing engineer is no stranger to controversy, having found himself at the center of the Spygate scandal of 2007 in which he was found to have stolen private documents from Ferrari while working for rival team McLaren.

The controversy saw Coughlan temporarily banned from F1, so like his former McLaren colleagues Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen, he sailed for America and tried his hand at NASCAR. But after only six months into a two-year contract as vehicle designer director with Michael Waltrip Racing, the Williams Grand Prix team hired him to return to F1 in a senior management shake-up.

Now Waltrip is reportedly suing Coughlan and Williams for breach of contract, which they allege cost them prize money and sponsorship revenue. Williams, for its part, says it has yet to receive any documents related to the case. But something tells us this won't be the last we've heard on the subject....

NASCAR team sues F1 team over contract dispute originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coughlanf1formula 1formula onemichael coughlanmichael waltripmichael waltrip racingmike coughlannascarwaltripwilliams f1williams grand prixwilliams grand prix engineeringTue, 19 Jul 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/19/nascar-team-sues-f1-team-over-contract-dispute/19993160/article-detail.xml 19993160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/waltrip-smoke_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/waltrip-smoke.jpg <![CDATA[Coughlan of F1 Spygate fame apologizes, gets back to work at Williams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/coughlan-of-f1-spygate-fame-apologizes-gets-back-to-work-at-wil/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/coughlan-of-f1-spygate-fame-apologizes-gets-back-to-work-at-wil/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/coughlan-of-f1-spygate-fame-apologizes-gets-back-to-work-at-wil/#commentsFiled under:

mike coughlan

Mike Coughlan hit a pretty nasty bump in his Formula One career. Coughlan was the chief designer for the McLaren F1 team from 2002 through 2007, but it was that last year with McLaren for which Coughlan is remembered, when he was caught possessing technical documents from rival Ferrari. The F1 affair became known as Spygate, and Mike Coughlan was suspended from the sport for two years. McLaren took a major hit as well, when it was stripped of all that season's constructors points and fined $100,000,000.

The designer and engineer has served his time, and now he is ready to get back to work, with Williams hiring Coughlan to become its chief engineer. According to CNN, Coughlan is determined to put his past transgressions behind him, and has issued an apology to everyone wronged by his actions. That apology includes not just the Ferrari and McLaren racing teams, but the entire Formula One world and all of its fans.

"I sincerely regret my actions and I fully accepted the penalty given to me by the FIA. I can only hope that I can earn back everyone's respect."

Williams is currently racing in the back of the F1 pack, so Coughlan already has his work cut out for him.

Coughlan of F1 Spygate fame apologizes, gets back to work at Williams originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coughlanf1ferrariformula 1formula onemclarenmike coughlanspygatewilliamswilliams f1Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19967183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/15/coughlan-of-f1-spygate-fame-apologizes-gets-back-to-work-at-wil/19967183/article-detail.xml 19967183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mikecoughlan2large_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mikecoughlan2large.jpg <![CDATA[Williams F1 hires controversial former McLaren engineer in major staff shift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/williams-f1-hires-controversial-former-mclaren-engineer-in-major/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/williams-f1-hires-controversial-former-mclaren-engineer-in-major/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/williams-f1-hires-controversial-former-mclaren-engineer-in-major/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sam Michael

The ebb and flow of Formula One teams typically works in a cyclical fashion. Teams rise and fall like so many world powers across the course of history. But while Williams was once a championship front-running team, it's been years since they've been on the top.

Against that backdrop, the British racing outfit has announced some major changes in its senior staff. Both technical director Sam Michael (pictured above at left) and chief aerodynamicist Jon Tomlinson have resigned from their positions and are leaving the team to regroup in an effort to regain its former glory.

In their place, Williams has hired Mike Coughlan as chief engineer. The former McLaren technical chief left the sport in disgrace in the wake of the "spygate" scandal of 2007 and was banned from the sport for two years. But with that period long since expired, Williams is apparently glad to bring him and his years of top-level experience into its fold.

Coughlan will join the team this coming June, while Michael and Tomlinson will depart upon the expiration of their contracts at the end of the season, at which point Coughlan could very well be appointed technical director. Follow the jump for the pair of press releases on the announcements.

Continue reading Williams F1 hires controversial former McLaren engineer in major staff shift

Williams F1 hires controversial former McLaren engineer in major staff shift originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coughlanf1formula 1formula onejon tomlinsonmichael coughlanmike coughlansam michaelspygatewilliamswilliams f1Wed, 04 May 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19930262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/04/williams-f1-hires-controversial-former-mclaren-engineer-in-major/19930262/article-detail.xml 19930262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/wil2008040621595alt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/wil2008040621595alt.jpg <![CDATA[Williams F1 team considering IPO stock issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/williams-f1-team-considering-ipo-stock-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/williams-f1-team-considering-ipo-stock-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/williams-f1-team-considering-ipo-stock-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rubens Barrichello tests the Williams FW32 with new Pirelli tires at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi
Rubens Barrichello tests the Williams FW32 with new Pirelli tires at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

What's the best way to make a small fortune in Formula One? Arrive with a large one. Williams has another idea though, and it's a radical one in the field of motor racing: The British outfit may float shares on the stock market.

Williams insists the idea is being considered in order to secure a long-term future (as its team principals are some of the oldest on the grid) and not as an effort to raise funds in the short term. After selling part of the team to Austrian investor Toto Wollf, it suffered from the departure of a number of sponsors at the end of last season. But the team insists its budget is secure for the coming championship, having recently announced a deal with Venezuelan oil company PDVSA that followed the signing of Venezuelan driver and reigning GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado to replace Nico Hülkenberg for next season.

The Williams group consists of more than just the F1 team, encompassing Williams Grand Prix Engineering as well as the hybrid development business Porsche used for the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the development and construction of the Formula 2 chassis and separate operations in Qatar, which would ostensibly all be part of the IPO if the company decides to go ahead with the move. At the moment, however, Frank Williams and company appear to be dipping their proverbial toes in the water. Follow the jump for the official statement.

[Source: Williams | Image: Glenn Dunbar/LAT/Williams]

Continue reading Williams F1 team considering IPO stock issue

Williams F1 team considering IPO stock issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>att williamsfrank williamsipostockstock marketstockswilliamswilliams f1williams grand prix engineeringMon, 24 Jan 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19811676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/24/williams-f1-team-considering-ipo-stock-issue/19811676/article-detail.xml 19811676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/64678_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/64678.jpg <![CDATA[Williams keeps Barrichello, dumps Hulkenberg as 2011 grid fills up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/williams-keeps-barrichello-dumps-hulkenberg-as-2011-grid-fills/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/williams-keeps-barrichello-dumps-hulkenberg-as-2011-grid-fills/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/williams-keeps-barrichello-dumps-hulkenberg-as-2011-grid-fills/#commentsFiled under: ,



How the mighty have fallen. The saying could apply to none better than it does to Williams, the F1 team that was once at the pinnacle of grand prix racing but has long since fallen to the bottom. One driver managed to bring them back to the top this season - if only briefly - but the team has elected to let him go for next season.

That driver is Nico Hulkenberg, and his impressive feat was putting his Williams FW32 on pole in Brazil a couple of weeks ago - the first pole for Williams in five years. Unfortunately he didn't manage to hold on to the lead, but the pole position in and of itself proved his mettle.

Unfortunately for Nico, Williams has announced that it has elected not to renew his contract for next season. They are, however, keeping Rubens Barrichello on board - undoubtedly a more experienced driver, if not necessarily more talented.

So where will Hulkenberg end up next season? Most of the seats are already spoken for, with only Force India, HRT and Lotus yet to confirm their driver pairings and solo seats still up for grabs at Renault and Virgin (as well as Williams). Details of the announcement in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Williams | Image: Lorenzo Bellanca/LAT/Williams]

Continue reading Williams keeps Barrichello, dumps Hulkenberg as 2011 grid fills up

Williams keeps Barrichello, dumps Hulkenberg as 2011 grid fills up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichellof1formula 1formula onehulkenbergNico Hulkenbergrubens barrichellowilliamswilliams f1williams-cosworthWed, 17 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19719846/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/17/williams-keeps-barrichello-dumps-hulkenberg-as-2011-grid-fills/19719846/article-detail.xml 19719846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/25617_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/25617.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid competes first shakedown at the 'Ring [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-competes-first-shakedown-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-competes-first-shakedown-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-competes-first-shakedown-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nico Hülkenberg drives the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nico Hülkenberg introduced the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid to a few of his friends past week, one named "baptism," the other named "fire." The Williams Formula 1 pilot got behind the wheel of the orange-and-white racer to get it ready for the Nülkenberg 24-hour race next month. How did that pairing come together? Nico's employer, Williams, makes the flywheel generator used on the race car.

Have a look at the high-res gallery below for some frozen moments, or follow the jump for the press release and excellent scenes of the GT3 R Hybrid jostling over the 'Ring's mid-corner bumps.


Gallery: Nico Hülkenberg and the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid


[Sources: Porsche, YouTube]

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid competes first shakedown at the 'Ring [w/video]

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid competes first shakedown at the 'Ring [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 gt3 r hybrid911Gt3RHybridgt3gt3 r hybridGt3RHybridNico HulkenbergNicoHulkenbergNurburgringnurburgring 24nurburgring 24 hoursNurburgring24Nurburgring24HoursPorschePorsche 911 GT3 R HybridPorsche911Gt3RHybridwilliamswilliams f1WilliamsF1Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19452997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/26/porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-competes-first-shakedown-at-the-ring/19452997/article-detail.xml 19452997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/porschers3hulk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/porschers3hulk.jpg <![CDATA[Williams courting Volkswagen into Formula One?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/#commentsFiled under: ,

Williams F1

Williams is intent on bringing another major automaker into Formula 1, but which will get the call? Volkswagen has toyed with the idea of entering F1 for some time. The German auto giant is one of the largest carmakers never to participate in the sport, notwithstanding Porsche and Lamborghini, which have in the past and which have since fallen under the VW umbrella. The latest reports suggest that if costs continue to drop and stability is restored, Volkswagen could field an entry - in some form or another - by 2013. Questions remain over which of its many brands and divisions VW would choose to promote through its participation, and whether it'd opt for a full-on factory team (like Ferrari, Renault or Mercedes-Benz) or instead develop and supply engines to existing teams (as Cosworth currently does).

Williams, for its part, is very interested in partnering with Volkswagen, should it join the grid in 2013. How interested? Autocar reports that could Williams could be interested in selling its F1 team wholesale to Volkswagen, much as Sauber did to BMW (Williams' old partner, which has since left the sport entirely) and Brawn has to Mercedes-Benz. Williams F1 team principals Frank Williams and Patrick Head have already offloaded part of the team to Austrian investor Toto Wolff, and Autocar quotes Williams as saying to Germany's Bild, "We are stronger with a manufacturer than as a private team."

[Source: Autocar]

Williams courting Volkswagen into Formula One? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnefrank williamsFrankWilliamsvagvolkswagenvolkswagen agVolkswagenAgvwwilliamswilliams f1WilliamsF1Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19408107/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/21/williams-courting-volkswagen-into-formula-one/19408107/article-detail.xml 19408107 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/wil2010031244795alt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/wil2010031244795alt.jpg <![CDATA[Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/videos-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-uses-williams-f1-flywheel-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/videos-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-uses-williams-f1-flywheel-kers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/videos-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-uses-williams-f1-flywheel-kers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hybrid drive system being used by Porsche in its new 911 GT3 R isn't what you find in your average Prius or Fusion. Instead of a battery for energy storage, the 911 will use an electro-mechanical flywheel. The system being used was actually developed by the Williams formula one team and its Williams Hybrid Power subsidiary.

The system is comprised of an electrically driven flywheel and a motor/generator on the gearbox. During braking the gearbox mounted generator drives the flywheel to spin it up to 40,000 rpm. When needed for extra acceleration, the flywheel drives its integrated motor/generator to spin provide power back to the unit on the gearbox.

In the case of the 911, a pair motor generators are actually on the front wheels instead of the single unit on the gearbox as it was on the Williams F1 car last year. This provides more regenerative braking capability as well as all wheel drive.

The flywheel itself is made of a composite material that is infused with magnetic particles when it is being molded. This actually acts as the permanent magnet for the motor, helping to keep the overall weight down. The result is a very efficient system with less mass than a battery system and the ability to absorb energy more rapidly than a battery similar to an ultracapaitor. Like ultracapacitors the downside for automotive applications is limited energy storage capacity.

As a result, electric driving is limited meaning that this really behaves more like a mild hybrid system than a strong hybrid. However, the power output is closer to what is available from most strong hybrids. Williams Hybrid Power is working with a number of automakers on implementing its flywheel system although only Porsche has been publicly identified. Porsche's has setup a microsite for its new Hybrid racecar, and for more details, make the jump for the release and a video explaining the system, along with two promo videos.


Gallery: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid


[Source: Williams Hybrid Power]

Continue reading Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS

Videos: Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid uses Williams F1 flywheel KERS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electro-mechanical flywheelElectro-mechanicalFlywheelflywheelflywheel hybridflywheel-hybridFlywheelHybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecoverySystemPorscheporsche 911Porsche 911 GT3 R HybridPorsche911Porsche911Gt3RHybridwilliams f1williams hybrid powerwilliams kersWilliamsF1WilliamsHybridPowerWilliamsKersThu, 11 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19353825/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/11/videos-porsche-911-gt3-r-hybrid-uses-williams-f1-flywheel-kers/19353825/article-detail.xml 19353825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/01-phybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/01-phybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all the money that goes into running an F1 team, and the limited opportunity to make any of it back, we can't see why anyone would view owning a team as a sound investment. Evidently Herr Toto Wollf feels otherwise, as the Austrian financier and gentleman racing driver has acquired a minority interest in Williams Grand Prix Engineering.

This marks the first time in over 30 years of operations that Frank Williams and Patrick Head, the two team principals, have sold shares to an outside party. For his part, Sir Frank insists that business will carry on as usual, that they're not relinquishing control over the team, and that the sale was simply a way of ensuring the team's financial viability. Tellingly, though, he also indicated that Wolff, some 30 years younger than Williams and Head and the veteran of local rallies and international sportscar racing, could take the reins some day in the future.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of reports that Renault - once Williams engine partner during its heyday - was considering a similar move. Follow the jump to read the official announcement, complete with Toto Wolff's bio.

[Source: Williams]

Continue reading Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor

Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrisian wolffChrisianWolfff1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnefrank williamsFrankWilliamspatrick headPatrickHeadtoto wolffTotoWolffwilliamswilliams f1williams grand prix engineeringWilliamsF1WilliamsGrandPrixEngineeringWed, 25 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19249573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/19249573/article-detail.xml 19249573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tw_image_large_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tw_image_large.jpg <![CDATA[Sir Frank Williams praises fire fighters for saving factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/sir-frank-williams-praises-fire-fighters-for-saving-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/sir-frank-williams-praises-fire-fighters-for-saving-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/sir-frank-williams-praises-fire-fighters-for-saving-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Since falling from its glory days of yore - when it won nine constructors championships an seven drivers titles - the Williams F1 team has been desperate to light a fire under its drivers and engineers to get back to its winning form. But we don't think this is what Frank Williams and his deputy Patrick Head had in mind.

This past summer the team's factory in Grove, England, caught on fire, threatening the staff, the facility and the cars on premises. The fire started when a machine in the metal department malfunctioned. Local fire fighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze, saving one and all.

Sir Frank was so grateful that he made a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity and brought the brigade back to the repaired factory this week for an inside tour. You know, just in case being a fire fighter wasn't cool enough already.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Sir Frank Williams praises fire fighters for saving factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factory fireFactoryFirefirefrank williamsFrankWilliamssir frank williamsSirFrankWilliamswilliamswilliams f1WilliamsF1Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19209557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/27/sir-frank-williams-praises-fire-fighters-for-saving-factory/19209557/article-detail.xml 19209557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/williams-f1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/williams-f1.jpg <![CDATA[Dark Horse: Williams-Toyota FW31 unveiled in Portugal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/dark-horse-williams-toyota-fw31-unveiled-in-portugal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/dark-horse-williams-toyota-fw31-unveiled-in-portugal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/dark-horse-williams-toyota-fw31-unveiled-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under:


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the new Williams FW31

It's been a long time since Williams stood atop the Formula 1 world, but back when they were, nobody could take them down. They've won seven drivers' championships, with such pilots as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jacques Villeneuve and Ayrton Senna - and taken nine constructors' championships just to wash 'em down. But that was a long time ago, and since then the team has fallen far from the top. Could this be the year they come back?

With F1's technical regulations turned all topsy-turvy for 2009, Williams was the first to start preparing. They're also the only team to go with a mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System, opting for a flywheel to store recovered braking energy instead of the battery-based systems developed by the other teams. The flywheel is installed in the new FW31, powered by a Toyota engine and unveiled at the new Algarve circuit in Portugal, where several other teams - including Renault - came to test out their new gear. Test driver Nico Hulkenberg was behind the wheel, soon to be joined by lead drivers Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima, who remain with the team for 2009. Check out the new Williams FW31 - wearing interim dark blue livery for the off-season - in the gallery below.

Gallery: Williams FW31


[Source: Williams F1]

Dark Horse: Williams-Toyota FW31 unveiled in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 formula one2009FormulaOneatt williams f1AttWilliamsF1F1Formula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOnefw31williamswilliams f1williams fw31williams grand prixwilliams toyotawilliams-toyotaWilliamsF1WilliamsFw31WilliamsGrandPrixWilliamsToyotaMon, 19 Jan 2009 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1433630/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/19/dark-horse-williams-toyota-fw31-unveiled-in-portugal/1433630/article-detail.xml 1433630 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/fw31-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/fw31-web.jpg -1 2