I wonder if Williams let the "Nakajima Nosecone Department" go a tad early???
Full Version: Williams FW32 Cosworth
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Didn't take Nico H long until his first "bump" did it?
I wonder if Williams let the "Nakajima Nosecone Department" go a tad early???
I wonder if Williams let the "Nakajima Nosecone Department" go a tad early???
Loads of laps again today, Nico just completed 100.
Shame the times aren't a bit better but I won't write the season off just yet!
Shame the times aren't a bit better but I won't write the season off just yet!
I imagine they are focusing on long, heavy runs to get Nico used to how the car feels and the tyres react. I'm not taking anything from this test. The headline times are meaningless without data from each lap of the day from each driver.
It seems like the balance issue has been resolved, however.
It seems like the balance issue has been resolved, however.
It was important to get sets of data from the engine to plug into strategy models. It is the only when the engine is in the car that meaningful data on engine performance and fuel consumption can be gathered. Without a set of baseline data modifications and changes to the car cannot be fully evaluated.
At least the CA10 doubters should be satisfied of its reliability.
At least the CA10 doubters should be satisfied of its reliability.
I was a little concerned at first with the times, but I think it's best to realize we're at such an early stage, these are just the first tests. There are other testing sessions forthcoming, where changes and developments will happen to the cars.
At this stage, it's still fairly unknown on how all these cars are going to be during the season.
Ferrari looks good out of the box, even Ross Brawn is saying the Merc is having problems now, where adjustments will be made.
Seems the Williams will have some adjustments. Early days.
At this stage, it's still fairly unknown on how all these cars are going to be during the season.
Ferrari looks good out of the box, even Ross Brawn is saying the Merc is having problems now, where adjustments will be made.
Seems the Williams will have some adjustments. Early days.
From ClaireVWilliams on Twitter today
QUOTE
Nico: We did a lot of long runs on heavy fuel loads today and I feel really positive about the car.
QUOTE
Sam Michael: The car's systems are reliable, just the inevitable minor teething problems which will be resolved ahead of Jerez.
QUOTE
The team covered 1,213.5kms this week
QUOTE (intothepits @ Feb 3 2010, 16:36) 
I was a little concerned at first with the times, but I think it's best to realize we're at such an early stage, these are just the first tests. There are other testing sessions forthcoming, where changes and developments will happen to the cars.
At this stage, it's still fairly unknown on how all these cars are going to be during the season.
Ferrari looks good out of the box, even Ross Brawn is saying the Merc is having problems now, where adjustments will be made.
Seems the Williams will have some adjustments. Early days.
At this stage, it's still fairly unknown on how all these cars are going to be during the season.
Ferrari looks good out of the box, even Ross Brawn is saying the Merc is having problems now, where adjustments will be made.
Seems the Williams will have some adjustments. Early days.
I agree.
I am not sure that the team would have allowed the car to run at full pelt even if it was capable of blowing the field away. Brand new car, brand new engine and new drivers, it will take a while for everyone to gel and begin to work together.
Do engines used in this series of test count against the engine budget for the season?
Again James Allen thinks that Williams are running "conservatively" with the Cosworth
"Williams continued their conservative progress with the new Cosworth engine"
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2010/02/alon...st-in-valencia/
"Williams continued their conservative progress with the new Cosworth engine"
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2010/02/alon...st-in-valencia/
Not a good first test I think. I just hope the reasons for the lack of speed can be rectified before the start of the season, but I doubt it. Something tells me Williams have lost their way. They need new blood in the team. There doesn´t seem to be any passion left.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
I won't press the panic button just yet but I agree there are worrying signs that the team is going down the same path as past greats such as Tyrrell, Lotus and Andrea Moda (sorry, little joke there...)
The team hasn't won since 2004 and I would be astounded if they stop the rot this season on merit.
Still don't know what the situation is regarding running the engine cautiously but there's a lot of time to make up
The team hasn't won since 2004 and I would be astounded if they stop the rot this season on merit.
Still don't know what the situation is regarding running the engine cautiously but there's a lot of time to make up
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 09:54)
Not a good first test I think. I just hope the reasons for the lack of speed can be rectified before the start of the season, but I doubt it. Something tells me Williams have lost their way. They need new blood in the team. There doesn´t seem to be any passion left.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
This is true. In fact I think the last time Williams developed an aerodynamically strong car was 1997 (i.e. Newey's last car for the team). Ever since then they've been lacking in the car design department. Even the 2003 Williams was helped more by the Michelin tyres and BMW engine than it was by aerodynamic developments. Sam Michael it seems is not the answer either.
I don't see Williams' form turning around any time soon.
The bulk of the car seemed to be ok. 
What they need to do is simple things like using/trying other teams front wings [I like the Sauber one], other DDDs and revised suspension geometries.
No big deal, really.
What they need to do is simple things like using/trying other teams front wings [I like the Sauber one], other DDDs and revised suspension geometries.
No big deal, really.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 01:54)
Not a good first test I think. I just hope the reasons for the lack of speed can be rectified before the start of the season, but I doubt it. Something tells me Williams have lost their way. They need new blood in the team. There doesn´t seem to be any passion left.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
And this is based on what exactly?
Maybe.....just maybe.... they were only running the Cosworth at 17,000rpm?
It sounded considerably deeper than many of the others when running, so maybe eh? 1000 rpm off of what it 'could' do, would certainly affect the times... which is why people drawing conclusions of testing times based on no actual knowledge of what the team are doing with their test time... is often comical at best.To then discuss the team as being full of old men that have problems they dont understand....
When was the last time Williams produced a top chassis?
I would also say the FW19 of 1997 as posted above. Other cars since then that have won races have either had very good BMW engines or Michelin tyres (or both)
I'm not saying that all of the cars since have been dogs but that is a long time to be producing "average" chassis.
I would also say the FW19 of 1997 as posted above. Other cars since then that have won races have either had very good BMW engines or Michelin tyres (or both)
I'm not saying that all of the cars since have been dogs but that is a long time to be producing "average" chassis.
I hear comments like these at the beginning of every season. However, the consistency of the car across all tracks (bar the really fast ones that stressed aerodynamic efficiency and horsepower above all else) was a marked improvement over 2008. I hope that if the Cosworth has competitive power & fuel economy (i.e better than the Toyota), Williams can again fight for points at most tracks. If they can spring the occasional surprise with a podium or front row or two qualifying places, it would be fantastic.
Despite the move to lower budgets, it's massively difficult to beat the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull, all of whom have enormous sums of money to throw around. Mixing it up with those guys as a true independent would be great for the team.
As always, it's far too soon to get a true indication of pace. I'd like to think the team are holding their cards close to their chest and just getting as many kms as possible on the car and its systems. With Ruebens giving feedback and Nico learning the car, I hope that a decent result in Bahrain is achievable.
Scarbs has done a nice line drawing of the FW32's splitter:
http://twitpic.com/118erx
Despite the move to lower budgets, it's massively difficult to beat the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull, all of whom have enormous sums of money to throw around. Mixing it up with those guys as a true independent would be great for the team.
As always, it's far too soon to get a true indication of pace. I'd like to think the team are holding their cards close to their chest and just getting as many kms as possible on the car and its systems. With Ruebens giving feedback and Nico learning the car, I hope that a decent result in Bahrain is achievable.
Scarbs has done a nice line drawing of the FW32's splitter:
http://twitpic.com/118erx
QUOTE (roadie @ Feb 4 2010, 13:00)
I hear comments like these at the beginning of every season. However, the consistency of the car across all tracks (bar the really fast ones that stressed aerodynamic efficiency and horsepower above all else) was a marked improvement over 2008. I hope that if the Cosworth has competitive power & fuel economy (i.e better than the Toyota), Williams can again fight for points at most tracks. If they can spring the occasional surprise with a podium or front row or two qualifying places, it would be fantastic.
Despite the move to lower budgets, it's massively difficult to beat the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull, all of whom have enormous sums of money to throw around. Mixing it up with those guys as a true independent would be great for the team.
As always, it's far too soon to get a true indication of pace. I'd like to think the team are holding their cards close to their chest and just getting as many kms as possible on the car and its systems. With Ruebens giving feedback and Nico learning the car, I hope that a decent result in Bahrain is achievable.
Scarbs has done a nice line drawing of the FW32's splitter:
http://twitpic.com/118erx
Despite the move to lower budgets, it's massively difficult to beat the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull, all of whom have enormous sums of money to throw around. Mixing it up with those guys as a true independent would be great for the team.
As always, it's far too soon to get a true indication of pace. I'd like to think the team are holding their cards close to their chest and just getting as many kms as possible on the car and its systems. With Ruebens giving feedback and Nico learning the car, I hope that a decent result in Bahrain is achievable.
Scarbs has done a nice line drawing of the FW32's splitter:
http://twitpic.com/118erx
+1
QUOTE (FlatOverCrest @ Feb 4 2010, 12:29)
And this is based on what exactly?
Maybe.....just maybe.... they were only running the Cosworth at 17,000rpm? It sounded considerably deeper than many of the others when running, so maybe eh? 1000 rpm off of what it 'could' do, would certainly affect the times... which is why people drawing conclusions of testing times based on no actual knowledge of what the team are doing with their test time... is often comical at best.
To then discuss the team as being full of old men that have problems they dont understand....
Maybe.....just maybe.... they were only running the Cosworth at 17,000rpm?
It sounded considerably deeper than many of the others when running, so maybe eh? 1000 rpm off of what it 'could' do, would certainly affect the times... which is why people drawing conclusions of testing times based on no actual knowledge of what the team are doing with their test time... is often comical at best.To then discuss the team as being full of old men that have problems they dont understand....
Just a question, if they were running the Cosworth with a 1000 less rpm, how much would it cost them per lap roughly?
QUOTE (OnyxF1 @ Feb 4 2010, 15:57)
Just a question, if they were running the Cosworth with a 1000 less rpm, how much would it cost them per lap roughly?
I think a more appropriate question is, WHY would they run the engine at a 1000 rpm less? I can´t think of any reason why they would even want to do that. It wouldn´t prove anything, would it?
Possibly they've not got that many Cosworth's at the moment, so if they started blowing them up (I'm not saying the engine is unreliable), there was a possibility of running out of engines.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 17:58)
I think a more appropriate question is, WHY would they run the engine at a 1000 rpm less? I can´t think of any reason why they would even want to do that. It wouldn´t prove anything, would it?
You pose a good question. A few answers to that would be:
1) The Cosworth is too unreliable to run at the full 18,000 rpm and since they only have 2 engines, they don't want them to blow up.
2) The engine is too thirsty to run at full power so they have to cut the revs to meet the target fuel consumption.
3) They are deliberately sandbagging so others won't copy their design.
What I don't get is why they would run the Cosworth for three testing days straight at 17,000 rpm "just to get used to it". Surely if there are no inherent problems with the engine then they should push the car to its limits to see what it has got.
QUOTE (OnyxF1 @ Feb 4 2010, 18:12)
You pose a good question. A few answers to that would be:
1) The Cosworth is too unreliable to run at the full 18,000 rpm and since they only have 2 engines, they don't want them to blow up.
2) The engine is too thirsty to run at full power so they have to cut the revs to meet the target fuel consumption.
3) They are deliberately sandbagging so others won't copy their design.
What I don't get is why they would run the Cosworth for three testing days straight at 17,000 rpm "just to get used to it". Surely if there are no inherent problems with the engine then they should push the car to its limits to see what it has got.
1) The Cosworth is too unreliable to run at the full 18,000 rpm and since they only have 2 engines, they don't want them to blow up.
2) The engine is too thirsty to run at full power so they have to cut the revs to meet the target fuel consumption.
3) They are deliberately sandbagging so others won't copy their design.
What I don't get is why they would run the Cosworth for three testing days straight at 17,000 rpm "just to get used to it". Surely if there are no inherent problems with the engine then they should push the car to its limits to see what it has got.
How about they said to themselves "its a brand new engine so lets collect some data before thrashing it"
Jeez; talk about adding one and one and getting three.
Next thing, you'll be claiming Bernie is, in fact, the leader of the Lizard Illuminati....
QUOTE (OnyxF1 @ Feb 4 2010, 19:12)
You pose a good question. A few answers to that would be:
1) The Cosworth is too unreliable to run at the full 18,000 rpm and since they only have 2 engines, they don't want them to blow up.
2) The engine is too thirsty to run at full power so they have to cut the revs to meet the target fuel consumption.
3) They are deliberately sandbagging so others won't copy their design.
What I don't get is why they would run the Cosworth for three testing days straight at 17,000 rpm "just to get used to it". Surely if there are no inherent problems with the engine then they should push the car to its limits to see what it has got.
1) The Cosworth is too unreliable to run at the full 18,000 rpm and since they only have 2 engines, they don't want them to blow up.
2) The engine is too thirsty to run at full power so they have to cut the revs to meet the target fuel consumption.
3) They are deliberately sandbagging so others won't copy their design.
What I don't get is why they would run the Cosworth for three testing days straight at 17,000 rpm "just to get used to it". Surely if there are no inherent problems with the engine then they should push the car to its limits to see what it has got.
Cosworth is a new supplier and need to get some information from having the engine in a car. This was just the first test, it was probably more important to get lot's of good data to take back to the factories than to go for outright quick times. The team also ran with lot's of fuel onboard. According to a interview I saw with RB he couldn't compare the FW32 with the Brawn because he had not yet driven the FW32 with so little fuel as he had had in the Brawn.
1) Cosworth have done long reliability runs on the dyno at 18.000rpm. I don't think the reliability is a issue. If it was they are in big trouble and none of the teams have mentioned any issues.
2) This does not make any sense. Do we really think that Wiliams have designed their car and fuel tank without having information from Cosworth on fuel consumption?
3) Could very well be.
QUOTE (ryan86 @ Feb 4 2010, 18:07)
Possibly they've not got that many Cosworth's at the moment, so if they started blowing them up (I'm not saying the engine is unreliable), there was a possibility of running out of engines.
It's the first time this engine has ever been run off the dyno in a full test by anyone. Rubens himself confirmed that the team were running with the engines turned down on at least the first day and I imagine all the other days. Why would you destroy a brand new engine in the first test? An engine for which no data exists, you'd surely be sensible to run it at less that full capacity and then build.
QUOTE (wewantourdarbyback @ Feb 4 2010, 20:01)
It's the first time this engine has ever been run off the dyno in a full test by anyone. Rubens himself confirmed that the team were running with the engines turned down on at least the first day and I imagine all the other days. Why would you destroy a brand new engine in the first test? An engine for which no data exists, you'd surely be sensible to run it at less that full capacity and then build.
Because all those tests have already been carried out on the dyno back at the factory. They can simulate anything they want, so whether the engine is run in the back of the car or on the dyno, is immaterial.
If the engine is going to let go under racing conditions, I would want to know about it at the first tests, considering there are only a few opportunities to track test the motor before the first race. Tootling around trying to save the engine is exactly the opposite to what they should be doing. In fact, they should be going out of their way to abuse the thing. That is the only way they are going to know what to expect once the flag drops, as well as rectify any shortcomings.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 01:54)
Something tells me Williams have lost their way. They need new blood in the team. There doesn´t seem to be any passion left.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
It reeks of old men using old solutions for problems they don´t quite understand, but think they do. It´s like watching the death throes of a once glorious creature. Very sad.
With all do respect, I think you've turned a blind eye to the amount of enthusiasm clearly evident with Rubens and Nico. I think when you mentioned "the need (for) new blood in the team," you must have been referring to the management tier. In terms of driver lineup strength and chemistry, I believe Williams made an upgrade in both categories. Rubens and Nico H should prove to be an excellent blend of experience and youth. Both of them seem passionate and eager to take on the new season.
I think the passion is still there. We'll know more 2-3 races into the season when we get to see how the car performs in qualifying, over the course of the race, and how the team responds.
What I will admit is that I feel it is crucial for Williams to get off to a good start this year to keep the ball rolling. They need to be in the Top 4 in the Constructors Race after the first few races. I think they can do it.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 21:03)
Because all those tests have already been carried out on the dyno back at the factory. They can simulate anything they want, so whether the engine is run in the back of the car or on the dyno, is immaterial.
If the engine is going to let go under racing conditions, I would want to know about it at the first tests, considering there are only a few opportunities to track test the motor before the first race. Tootling around trying to save the engine is exactly the opposite to what they should be doing. In fact, they should be going out of their way to abuse the thing. That is the only way they are going to know what to expect once the flag drops, as well as rectify any shortcomings.
If the engine is going to let go under racing conditions, I would want to know about it at the first tests, considering there are only a few opportunities to track test the motor before the first race. Tootling around trying to save the engine is exactly the opposite to what they should be doing. In fact, they should be going out of their way to abuse the thing. That is the only way they are going to know what to expect once the flag drops, as well as rectify any shortcomings.
First of all, running the engine in a car is very different than on the dyno. Cosworth does not replicate the 5 different car installations (Williams, Virgin, Lotus, Campos and USF1) on their dyno. What they do replicate is the different tracks and run the races on their dyno. That's how they know that the ENGINE's reliability is good or bad. The installation in the car with different vibration issues, cooling systems, exhausts and gearboxes etc. is different for every team and needs to be tested in the car.
The 2006 Williams Cosworth is probably one of the best examples of a troublesome installation. Cosworth had good reliability on the dyno but Williams had many DNF's from installation issues (like hydraulics and vibration related issues) but only one engine failure.
Second of all, the team probably want to get all systems working and having the Cosworth engine communicate with the engines electronics before they try to push the envelope to much. And besides they put in a lot of km's so reliability was quite good anyway.
QUOTE (DFV @ Feb 4 2010, 20:17)
First of all, running the engine in a car is very different than on the dyno. Cosworth does not replicate the 5 different car installations (Williams, Virgin, Lotus, Campos and USF1) on their dyno. What they do replicate is the different tracks and run the races on their dyno. That's how they know that the ENGINE's reliability is good or bad. The installation in the car with different vibration issues, cooling systems, exhausts and gearboxes etc. is different for every team and needs to be tested in the car.
The 2006 Williams Cosworth is probably one of the best examples of a troublesome installation. Cosworth had good reliability on the dyno but Williams had many DNF's from installation issues (like hydraulics and vibration related issues) but only one engine failure.
Second of all, the team probably want to get all systems working and having the Cosworth engine communicate with the engines electronics before they try to push the envelope to much. And besides they put in a lot of km's so reliability was quite good anyway.
The 2006 Williams Cosworth is probably one of the best examples of a troublesome installation. Cosworth had good reliability on the dyno but Williams had many DNF's from installation issues (like hydraulics and vibration related issues) but only one engine failure.
Second of all, the team probably want to get all systems working and having the Cosworth engine communicate with the engines electronics before they try to push the envelope to much. And besides they put in a lot of km's so reliability was quite good anyway.
Good post.
Testing time is too limited and too precious to waste it by blowing up your only two units hooning it around the track yelling "yeeehaw" at the top of your voice while simultaneoulsy playing Blur's 'Song 2' over the team's radio....
Driving to a planned program, gathering data, checking the installation, checking heat management, assessing the drivability of the motor and trying out some different engine mapping models before pushing on in the next session is how the pros would do it.
I'm glad to say that Williams, while being racers to their core, are still deeply professional in the way they go about things.
These posts are veering toward being more relevant in the Cosworth thread than a Williams one. However, I will throw my two pence in.
Although the engine is one that has the foundations of an engine that could run reliably at 20 000rpm, there may be significant differences between it and its predecessor. The quest for efficiency (fuel mileage being increasingly important) at a lower rpm may mean that all the internals have been changed to be thinner, lighter etc. As pointed out by previous posters, running an engine in a car with the shocks it receives bouncing over kerbs, along with a multitude of other factors compared to stably on a dyno, may mean that they've been running it conservatively, especially if there are only a limited number of engines at the test.
However, my feeling is that the engine should certainly have no problem running at 18 000rpm reliably, and it would be a waste of data not to run it as they would over a race distance or more with the kind of fuel loads they'll be running this year. Williams have to confirm their simulations.
Would we all have liked to have seen quicker times from the FW32? Of course! However, we're all stabbing in the dark in terms of the car's true pace, as we have very, very little to go on.
Keep thinking positive thoughts folks
Although the engine is one that has the foundations of an engine that could run reliably at 20 000rpm, there may be significant differences between it and its predecessor. The quest for efficiency (fuel mileage being increasingly important) at a lower rpm may mean that all the internals have been changed to be thinner, lighter etc. As pointed out by previous posters, running an engine in a car with the shocks it receives bouncing over kerbs, along with a multitude of other factors compared to stably on a dyno, may mean that they've been running it conservatively, especially if there are only a limited number of engines at the test.
However, my feeling is that the engine should certainly have no problem running at 18 000rpm reliably, and it would be a waste of data not to run it as they would over a race distance or more with the kind of fuel loads they'll be running this year. Williams have to confirm their simulations.
Would we all have liked to have seen quicker times from the FW32? Of course! However, we're all stabbing in the dark in terms of the car's true pace, as we have very, very little to go on.
Keep thinking positive thoughts folks
Cosworth need engines that they can strip down that have been run under known conditions. They need to do as much R&D as possible before the engine is homogolated in March. I have no doubt that Cosworth will want teams to run qualifying laps soon. Right now I am as frustrated as anyone but I accept that Cosworth needs baseline data on wear patterns against set engine loadings from track tests. I would rather Cosworth discover a problem now that might lead to an engine letting go in its third race rather than not do the ground work now. Those used engines will be microscopically examined.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 20:03)
Because all those tests have already been carried out on the dyno back at the factory. They can simulate anything they want, so whether the engine is run in the back of the car or on the dyno, is immaterial.
Ah yes, those brilliant g-force recreating dyno tests....
Am happy with the tests so far, good long runs, the team and drivers seem happy. Roll on Jerez and Barcelona. Valencia is really not a track that shows off an F1 car.
It seems to me some people found themselves in the wrong thread, and thought that it was to bag Williams however they can, hopefully the door has been shown to them!!!
My thoughts are that they are ensuring that the installation is spot on this time around with the Cosworth, no-one wants a repeat of 2006.
I was disappointed about the times, last year I remember thinking that we were up there fairly early on following tests, but everyone making comments in the team are very upbeat and dare I say 'excited', so the only time I will start to worry is in qualifying in Bahrain if we are 2+ seconds of the mark.
As for lacking passion as mentioned in an earlier post, well if they lack passion it doesn't say much for the other 'corporatiesed' teams in the pit lane.
My thoughts are that they are ensuring that the installation is spot on this time around with the Cosworth, no-one wants a repeat of 2006.
I was disappointed about the times, last year I remember thinking that we were up there fairly early on following tests, but everyone making comments in the team are very upbeat and dare I say 'excited', so the only time I will start to worry is in qualifying in Bahrain if we are 2+ seconds of the mark.
As for lacking passion as mentioned in an earlier post, well if they lack passion it doesn't say much for the other 'corporatiesed' teams in the pit lane.
I'm a little worried, Mclaren and Ferrari are confident, you can't discount Brawn, er, Merc; We haven't seen the Red Bull, Sauber look quick.
However the new points system will favor Williams, as long as they are as consistent as last year and in the top half of the grid with the drivers that they have they should do very well.
However the new points system will favor Williams, as long as they are as consistent as last year and in the top half of the grid with the drivers that they have they should do very well.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 4 2010, 21:03)
Because all those tests have already been carried out on the dyno back at the factory. They can simulate anything they want, so whether the engine is run in the back of the car or on the dyno, is immaterial.
If the engine is going to let go under racing conditions, I would want to know about it at the first tests, considering there are only a few opportunities to track test the motor before the first race. Tootling around trying to save the engine is exactly the opposite to what they should be doing. In fact, they should be going out of their way to abuse the thing. That is the only way they are going to know what to expect once the flag drops, as well as rectify any shortcomings.
If the engine is going to let go under racing conditions, I would want to know about it at the first tests, considering there are only a few opportunities to track test the motor before the first race. Tootling around trying to save the engine is exactly the opposite to what they should be doing. In fact, they should be going out of their way to abuse the thing. That is the only way they are going to know what to expect once the flag drops, as well as rectify any shortcomings.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81288
QUOTE
Q. How important have this week's activities been for Cosworth's pre-season preparations?
Mark Gallagher - Cosworth's general manager: We have been delighted to get started with pre-season testing in Valencia with Williams this week as it was our first opportunity to run the CA2010 in the back of a race car with all of the implications that that brings. Developing and testing an engine in our facilities in Northampton is one thing but committing it to the track takes us into an entirely new phase of our programme.
Q. What work was carried out with the AT&T Williams team in Valencia this week?
MG: Our work with Williams has been very important in order to collect data, driver feedback and to gauge the initial results from the marriage of the new CA2010 engine to the all-new FW32 chassis. Our first measure of performance was always going to be durability and the fact that Rubens and Nico completed over 1,200kms between them showed that engine reliability has been in line with our expectations.
We also looked at the overall success of the installation, seeing how the engine works together with the Williams transmission and checking all associated systems, pressures, cooling, temperatures. From a human point of view, Valencia was the first time that our dedicated team of track support technicians and engineers worked as an integrated part of the Williams team, which is a key aspect of the working relationship, so in that regard it was an important milestone. We now look forward to next week's Jerez test where we can take our technical programme with the team to the next level.
Q. What do you make of the recently launched Virgin-Cosworth VR-01?
MG: It was very rewarding to see the Virgin-Cosworth VR-01 unveiled this week and to welcome the first of our new teams into Formula 1. We have developed a strong working relationship with Virgin Racing over the last few months and I'd like to congratulate Nick Wirth and his design team for the results of their efforts. We are doing all we can to support them from the outset of their F1 activities and when they join Williams in Jerez next week we will have two teams on track which will greatly enhance our pre-season activities.
Q. What work is Cosworth carrying out with Virgin Racing at Silverstone?
MG: We are at Silverstone with Virgin Racing carrying out a basic shakedown ahead of the test in Jerez. Although the weather hasn't been great today, the car has run as planned and it has been a useful opportunity to start understanding the new chassis-engine package. This will help ensure that we are able to make the most of next week's important test in Spain.
Mark Gallagher - Cosworth's general manager: We have been delighted to get started with pre-season testing in Valencia with Williams this week as it was our first opportunity to run the CA2010 in the back of a race car with all of the implications that that brings. Developing and testing an engine in our facilities in Northampton is one thing but committing it to the track takes us into an entirely new phase of our programme.
Q. What work was carried out with the AT&T Williams team in Valencia this week?
MG: Our work with Williams has been very important in order to collect data, driver feedback and to gauge the initial results from the marriage of the new CA2010 engine to the all-new FW32 chassis. Our first measure of performance was always going to be durability and the fact that Rubens and Nico completed over 1,200kms between them showed that engine reliability has been in line with our expectations.
We also looked at the overall success of the installation, seeing how the engine works together with the Williams transmission and checking all associated systems, pressures, cooling, temperatures. From a human point of view, Valencia was the first time that our dedicated team of track support technicians and engineers worked as an integrated part of the Williams team, which is a key aspect of the working relationship, so in that regard it was an important milestone. We now look forward to next week's Jerez test where we can take our technical programme with the team to the next level.
Q. What do you make of the recently launched Virgin-Cosworth VR-01?
MG: It was very rewarding to see the Virgin-Cosworth VR-01 unveiled this week and to welcome the first of our new teams into Formula 1. We have developed a strong working relationship with Virgin Racing over the last few months and I'd like to congratulate Nick Wirth and his design team for the results of their efforts. We are doing all we can to support them from the outset of their F1 activities and when they join Williams in Jerez next week we will have two teams on track which will greatly enhance our pre-season activities.
Q. What work is Cosworth carrying out with Virgin Racing at Silverstone?
MG: We are at Silverstone with Virgin Racing carrying out a basic shakedown ahead of the test in Jerez. Although the weather hasn't been great today, the car has run as planned and it has been a useful opportunity to start understanding the new chassis-engine package. This will help ensure that we are able to make the most of next week's important test in Spain.
A very encouraging interview from a Williams perspective. Fingers crossed for good news as the programme develops.
Thanks for that DFV. I think it´s an encouraging start that they weren´t unpleasantly surprised by unforeseen problems. Looks like they did their homework well.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 5 2010, 10:14)
Thanks for that DFV. I think it´s an encouraging start that they weren´t unpleasantly surprised by unforeseen problems. Looks like they did their homework well.
Good post and seconded!
Fairly damning analysis from Gary Anderson in the Autosport Plus tech article published today. As this is subscription material, here are a few key quotes:
His approach to car design for 2010 seems to err on the conservative side. Perhaps the fact that Williams have gone for a new in concept in car design this year is because they feel they had reached the limit of development potential with the FW31 concept?
QUOTE
I question the fact that they stated they had a good handle on last year's car, so they were going to start with a clean sheet of paper this year... And I am afraid, they might have hurt themselves a little bit... Williams are probably nothing special...
His approach to car design for 2010 seems to err on the conservative side. Perhaps the fact that Williams have gone for a new in concept in car design this year is because they feel they had reached the limit of development potential with the FW31 concept?
The front wing is actually fairly similar to last year's. I wouldn't be surprised to see some modifications between now and the first GP. As the front wing effects everything behind it, it will see intensive development, especially with the narrower tyres and their influence on the wake.
QUOTE (ex Rhodie racer 2 @ Feb 5 2010, 10:14)
Thanks for that DFV. I think it´s an encouraging start that they weren´t unpleasantly surprised by unforeseen problems. Looks like they did their homework well.
'I hereby make up with ex Rhodie'
BTW are the Air Asia logos anywhere on the FW32?
If they aren't then we know exactly where they've gone.
If they aren't then we know exactly where they've gone.
QUOTE (TheF1PERSON @ Feb 5 2010, 17:57)
BTW are the Air Asia logos anywhere on the FW32?
If they aren't then we know exactly where they've gone.
If they aren't then we know exactly where they've gone.
No they're not, not that we expected them to be.
BTW did anyone have an answer for my Q on when the AT&T sponsorship ends?
QUOTE (wewantourdarbyback @ Feb 5 2010, 18:04)
No their not, not that we expected them to be.
BTW did anyone have an answer for my Q on when the AT&T sponsorship ends?
BTW did anyone have an answer for my Q on when the AT&T sponsorship ends?
See post no 410 - looks like Air Asia to me ahead of the 'screen . . . . and still on the website.
You are correct, I withdraw my earlier comment.
Looks like it's a scaled back commitment then, the old rear wing position they took up was blanked out at Valencia http://www.autosport.com/gallery/photo.php/id/1324494
Looks like it's a scaled back commitment then, the old rear wing position they took up was blanked out at Valencia http://www.autosport.com/gallery/photo.php/id/1324494
Here's another article about Williams running a "conservatively tuned engine". I'm not sure whether this is based upon fact or fiction. The team and Cosworth themselves have said nothing, and so far it's only what we've heard from journalists.
QUOTE (wewantourdarbyback @ Feb 5 2010, 17:23)
'I hereby make up with ex Rhodie'
Friends with a common cause. 
QUOTE (pgj @ Feb 7 2010, 12:25)
Friends with a common cause.
Ahh the power of unity!
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