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[Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Back in the late 1970s, several Formula One teams were experimenting with six-wheeled F1 cars. The idea was to reduce drag and increase downforce while improving traction - they did, after all, manage to increase the contact surface of rubber to road while decreasing the height of the individual wheels. They showed considerable promise, but as with many developments in F1, they were quickly banned.

Tyrrell, March and Williams all toyed with the formula, and the results varied. But not since they raced have they all been in one place at the same time. And now they will as the organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed are bringing them together for this year's drive up the hill.

Spectators will be able to see the the Tyrrell P34 (pictured above), the Williams FW08B and the March 2-4-0. While the former two have been at Goodwood in previous years, this will mark the first time that the March will be there for the event - fitting since Goodwood is the seat of the Earl of March, patron of the event. Check out the official announcement below.

Continue reading Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion

Six-wheeled F1 cars set for Goodwood reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-4-0f1formula 1formula onefw08bgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmarchmarch 2-4-0p34six wheelersix-wheelertyrrelltyrrell p34williamswilliams fw08bWed, 20 Jun 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/six-wheeled-f1-cars-set-for-goodwood-reunion/20261708/article-detail.xml 20261708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/six-wheeler-goodwood_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/six-wheeler-goodwood.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[Williams signs female test driver Susie Wolff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/williams-signs-female-test-driver-susie-wolff/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/williams-signs-female-test-driver-susie-wolff/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/williams-signs-female-test-driver-susie-wolff/#commentsFiled under: ,

Susie WolffIn as male-dominated a sport as motor racing, women drivers are still a rarity - but not without their exceptions. Danica Patrick has become a household name in IndyCar and NASCAR, Vanina Ickx (daughter of legendary F1 driver Jacky) has contested Le Mans seven times, Sabine Schmitz is rightly known as the Queen of the Ring, and Natacha Gachnang has made a name for herself in Formula 3 and GT racing. But the latest announcement revolves around one Susie Wolff.

Driving for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM touring car series for the past several years, Susie has now been hired as a development driver for the Williams F1 team. In her new capacity, she'll be helping the team work out kinks in their simulator, the aerodynamics of the FW34 chassis and even undertake a full track test at an upcoming grand prix.

Now if you're thinking "Wolff and Williams - why do those names sound familiar together," you've got a keen memory. Toto Wolff is a board member and part owner of the team - and just also happens to be her husband. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Williams signs female test driver Susie Wolff

Williams signs female test driver Susie Wolff originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onesusie wolffwilliamswolffThu, 12 Apr 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/12/williams-signs-female-test-driver-susie-wolff/20214553/article-detail.xml 20214553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/susie-wolffweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/susie-wolffweb.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[Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bruno Senna

Formula One is no stranger to motion. But as fast as these drivers in their cars move during the regular season, it's in the off-season when things really get shaken up. Drivers change teams. Teams change names. Personnel come and go. Contracts are signed and terminated. But while most of the top drivers are staying put for the coming season, there have been a number of question marks left on the 2012 roster.

One of the last, however, has now been answered as the Williams team announces the signing of one Bruno Senna. If the name rings a bell, it well should: His late, great uncle Ayrton once famously hinted at his nephew's latent talents. However after a promising start in Formula 3 and GP2, Bruno hasn't quite been able to shine. He started out in 2010 for the backmarker Hispania Racing Team, but after failing to secure a ride for the start of the following season, was brought in by Lotus-Renault to fill in for Nick Heidfeld, who in turn was filling in for Robert Kubica.

Bruno only managed a couple of championship points last season at Lotus, which opted to pass him over in favor of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Williams, however, apparently feels that Senna's got more talent than he's been able to demonstrate, so they've signed him for a one-year contract to drive for the team this coming season.

In moving in at Williams - the team at which Ayrton Senna famously died in 1994 - Bruno replaces fellow Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, one of the last drivers still on the grid who raced with Ayrton back in the day. Where that leaves Rubens remains to be seen, but with only a solitary seat left at HRT for next season, the elder statesman of the paddock could be looking at forced retirement.

Continue reading Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1

Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruno sennaf1formula 1formula onesennawilliamsTue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/bruno-senna-signs-with-williams-f1/20150382/article-detail.xml 20150382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bruno-williams_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bruno-williams.jpg <![CDATA[Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/#commentsFiled under: ,

Patrick Head, Williams F1

Those outside of Formula One circles may not recognize the name Patrick Head, but rest assured just the same that his departure from the Williams team marks the end of an era.

Head co-founded the team together with Frank Williams in 1977 and was instrumental in all of the outfit's many victories. Until 2004, he served as the team's technical chief, remaining on board ever since as engineering director. But now, even that role has come to an end as the team's board of directors has announced Head's immediate resignation.

The move comes as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the team's management, getting rid of the old in order to make way for the new in an effort to find the success the team enjoyed at its height. Head will continue his involvement with Williams Hybrid Power Limited, but after 34 years in the sport, will no longer be involved in the team's racing activities.

Continue reading Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head

Williams announces resignation of Patrick Head originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onepatrick headwilliamswilliams gpwilliams grand prix engineeringwilliams hybrid powerwilliams hybrid power limitedWed, 04 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/williams-announces-resignation-of-patrick-head/20138833/article-detail.xml 20138833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/patrick-head_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/patrick-head.jpg <![CDATA[Sam Michael cleared to start at McLaren]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/sam-michael-cleared-to-start-at-mclaren/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/sam-michael-cleared-to-start-at-mclaren/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/sam-michael-cleared-to-start-at-mclaren/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sam Michael

Staff changes take place all the time in Formula 1. And since every team is working pretty much from the same talent pool, staff members are bound to rotate between teams. Typically the top talents are share between the top teams: a list that in recent years has comprised of outfits like Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes GP. But while they haven't been there in a while, Williams was once classified among the elite front-runners, and with some personnel and technical changes, hopes to again soon. Those plans, however, don't include Sam Michael.

Until recently, Michael served as technical director of the Williams team, but as the team failed to emerge from the back of the pack, he was let go. Mike Coughlan, formerly of McLaren and related controversy, is now sitting at Michael's desk. So where has Michael landed? At McLaren, of course.

The new appointment as the Woking outfit's sporting director wasn't expected to take effect, in any practical sense, until his contract with Williams had expired. But since it was Williams that cut him lose in the first place, they've been kind enough to let Michael off the leash. So he'll be traveling with McLaren to the last two grands prix of the season, where he'll be able to observe the team at work and begin plotting what changes he'll make once he takes over control of the team's trackside racing operations next season in an effort to help Button and Hamilton edge out Vettel for next year's title.

Sam Michael cleared to start at McLaren originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onemclarenmichaelsam michaelwilliamsWed, 09 Nov 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100154/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/sam-michael-cleared-to-start-at-mclaren/20100154/article-detail.xml 20100154 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sam-michael-williams_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sam-michael-williams.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[Find of the Day: Jacques Villeneuve's 1997 title-prize Hennessey Viper Venom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/find-of-the-day-jacques-villeneuves-1997-title-prize-hennessey/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/find-of-the-day-jacques-villeneuves-1997-title-prize-hennessey/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/find-of-the-day-jacques-villeneuves-1997-title-prize-hennessey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Villeneuve's Viper Venom

Say what you will about what he's done since, but nobody was as hot a talent as Jacques Villeneuve in the mid '90s. The French Canadian driver - and son of Gilles Villeneuve, who died while racing for Scuderia Ferrari - won both the Indy 500 and the IndyCar title in only his second season in the series. Then he moved up to Formula One and repeated the feat by taking the championship in only his second season, having only lost out to his Williams teammate Damon Hill the season before.

The 1997 world championship was nothing short of epic, pitting the newbie against Michael Schumacher in a battle that came down to the last race and saw Schumi disqualified from the standings for some questionable driving tactics. Needless to say, Williams was elated at securing what would, unfortunately, be the end of its dominant winning streak. And so were their sponsors. So much so, in fact, that Rothmans - the tobacco brand that was the team's title sponsor - gave Jacques the very special gift you see here.

What might look like an ordinary Viper, in fact, packs some serious Venom - modified by Hennessey to the tune of over 600 horsepower, and decked out in Rothmans racing stripes to boot. It cost $135,000 new, but with a 3.3-second sprint to 60 and a 205-mile per hour top end, was capable of keeping pace with the half-million Ferrari Enzo that wouldn't come out for another few years. Of course, with all that power driving the rear wheels and no electronic aids whatsoever, you'd have to be an F1 driver to keep it all under control.

The car traveled with Villeneuve as he contested the 1998 world championship to considerably less success, and, with 23,000 miles on the odometer, is now up for grabs in the UK with a £39,995 asking price - equivalent to $63k at today's conversion rates. Which may be worth it for the performance capabilities alone, never mind the provenance.

Find of the Day: Jacques Villeneuve's 1997 title-prize Hennessey Viper Venom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgedodge viper srt10hennesseyhennessey venom 600jacques villeneuverothmanssrt10villeneuveviperwilliamsWed, 19 Oct 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/find-of-the-day-jacques-villeneuves-1997-title-prize-hennessey/20084310/article-detail.xml 20084310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webvilleneuve-venom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webvilleneuve-venom.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[Williams hopes for further collaboration with Jaguar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/williams-hopes-for-further-collaboration-with-jaguar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/williams-hopes-for-further-collaboration-with-jaguar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/williams-hopes-for-further-collaboration-with-jaguar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jaguar C-X75 concept

Could Williams emerge as the outsourced competition department for Jaguar? It very well might if Adam Parr has his way. The chairman of the Williams F1 team and its related subsidiaries is enthusiastic about his company's collaboration with the British automaker, and is keen to see it move forward into new areas.

Currently, Williams is helping Jaguar develop the C-X75 concept into a roadgoing supercar. And while the micro-turbines housed in the show car's engine bay aren't likely to make the production cut - at least, not initially - the hybrid element of the drivetrain is. That's where Williams comes in, supplying its expertise with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System it developed for use in F1 towards road-going application on the production C-X75.

Williams could, potentially, be called back in to service to develop hybrid systems for other Jaguar road cars if its work on the C-X75 turns out well, but Parr is also looking towards Le Mans. Jaguar has no less than seven victories at the famed endurance race to its name, including five in the 1950s and another two in 1988 and 1990, and is rumored to be working on a new LMP1 racing prototype, but whether Williams is in on the program remains to be seen.

Williams hopes for further collaboration with Jaguar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-x75jaguarjaguar c-x75williamswilliams jaguarWed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024051/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/williams-hopes-for-further-collaboration-with-jaguar/20024051/article-detail.xml 20024051 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/c-x75jaguarconcept022-1285774394_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/c-x75jaguarconcept022-1285774394.jpg <![CDATA[Renault and Williams to team up again for new 240hp Clio hot hatch?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/renault-and-williams-to-team-up-again-for-new-240hp-clio-hot-hat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/renault-and-williams-to-team-up-again-for-new-240hp-clio-hot-hat/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/renault-and-williams-to-team-up-again-for-new-240hp-clio-hot-hat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Renault Clio Williams

Back in the early '90s, Renault and Williams were dominating Formula One, and their success spilled over into one of the most celebrated hot hatches of all time. And now that the two are getting back together for the 2012 season, rumors are afoot that they'll collaborate on a revival that could prove one very tasty beast indeed.

Keen to avoid simply cashing in on - or cheapening - the name, Renault isn't likely to slap on a new coat of paint and some special badges (much as it did with the Gordini brand) and call it a day. Instead, word on the street is that the new Clio Williams could pack as much as 240 horsepower.

That's significantly more than the current Renaulsport Clio's 197 horses, and comes within striking distance of its big brother, the 247-hp Renaultsport Megane. The package could also include a chassis setup based on the RS Clio Cup, but with the Sachs dampers from the more hardcore 2005 Clio Trophy and the brakes and rolling stock from the Nürburgring-conquering Megane Trophy.

With an all-new Clio coming around the bend next year, the Williams edition could prove the ultimate send-off for one of Europe's favorite hot hatches.

Renault and Williams to team up again for new 240hp Clio hot hatch? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio williamsrenaultrenault cliorenault clio williamsrenaultsportrenaultsport cliowilliamsFri, 15 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19991095/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/renault-and-williams-to-team-up-again-for-new-240hp-clio-hot-hat/19991095/article-detail.xml 19991095 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/clio-williams-rend2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/clio-williams-rend2.jpg <![CDATA[Williams F1 returns to Renault power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/williams-f1-returns-to-renault-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/williams-f1-returns-to-renault-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/williams-f1-returns-to-renault-power/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sir Frank Williams and Renault Sport F1 president Bernard Rey
Sir Frank Williams and Renault Sport F1 president Bernard Rey - Click above for high-res image

That the Williams F1 team isn't quite up to its old form is no news. But back in its heyday, it was a force to be reckoned with, and then some. The team has seven drivers' championships and nine constructors' titles to its name - several of which came under Ford (2 and 2) and Honda (1 and 2) power. But far and away its best results were powered by Renault, with which it secured four drivers' and five constructors' championships.

The team's fortunes have declined sharply since then, switching to BMW power, then Cosworth and on to Toyota before switching back to Cosworth again. But the latest announcement brings Williams and Renault back together, the French company once again supplying Williams with its F1 engines.

The deal isn't all about nostalgia, however, and comes as Renault scales back its direct involvement in any particular team - selling much of its stake in its own team to Genii Capital and Lotus - in favor of its traditional engine-supplier role. Renault's engines powered Red Bull to both titles last year, which they are well on their way to defending again this season.

That's power that Williams is evidently glad to get on its side again, leaving the lackluster Cosworth engines to the back-markers as it vies to regain the winning form it enjoyed in the days of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Williams F1 returns to Renault power

Williams F1 returns to Renault power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onerenaultrenault sport f1renaultsportwilliamswilliams grand prix engineeringwilliams-renaultWed, 06 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19983279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/williams-f1-returns-to-renault-power/19983279/article-detail.xml 19983279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web040711renchr0217_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web040711renchr0217.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[Jaguar C-X75 going into production with help from Williams F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-teams-up-with-williams-f1-to-build-the-c-x75/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-teams-up-with-williams-f1-to-build-the-c-x75/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-teams-up-with-williams-f1-to-build-the-c-x75/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jaguar C-X75
Jaguar C-X75 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning a gigantic cat jumped out of a secret little bag when Jaguar announced it has teamed with Williams F1 to build a production version of the C-X75 supercar. The 2010 Paris Motor Show-stopper in concept form was powered by two mid-mounted turbines, but the four-wheel-drive production model will swap those for a low displacement, highly boosted four-cylinder engine mated to "two powerful electric motors," one at each axle.

Williams' contribution will be in the areas of aerodynamics - the production version will maintain the concept's all-composite body, and the integration of the hybrid powertrain that will take from the lessons JLR is learning from its Jaguar Limo Green and Land Rover Range E. Horsepower numbers haven't been revealed, but the hybrid master blaster is targeting CO2 emissions of less than 99 grams per kilometer and all-electric running possible for 31 miles, along with a sub-three-second 0-to-60 time and a top speed beyond 200 miles per hour.

Only 250 will be built and they'll start at £700,000 ($1.149 million U.S. based on current exchange rates) "depending on local market and taxes." However, Jaguar hasn't said when they'll be built, offering nothing more than "within the timescales of a conventional model programme." That sounds like about four years to us, plenty of time to save enough to buy one of the door handles.

There's a document from ATT Williams F1 with more information after the jump, and diehards can view the morning's press conference on-demand. And to think we were worried about the future of fun cars. Now we only need to worry about the future of our bank accounts... Hat tips to Adi and Dane!

Continue reading Jaguar C-X75 going into production with help from Williams F1

Jaguar C-X75 going into production with help from Williams F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-x75jaguarjaguar c-x75 conceptwilliamsFri, 06 May 2011 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19933549/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/06/jaguar-teams-up-with-williams-f1-to-build-the-c-x75/19933549/article-detail.xml 19933549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/jaguarbuildsc-x75_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/jaguarbuildsc-x75.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.

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