Things you didn't know about the WilliamsF1 FW28
27/01/2006 The FW28 is the first car to fully benefit from the recently improved WilliamsF1 aerodynamic facilities, including two full time, on site wind tunnels. The car uses a zero keel chassis concept, developed to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. The change in FIA aerodynamic regulations at the front of the car was a significant input to the development of the FW28 chassis. With a reduction in power (as the engine has dropped from a 3.0l v10 to a 2.4l v8), a higher aerodynamic efficiency is required. This is the main reason for the FW28 rear wing design and the disappearance of less efficient components such as rear light wings and secondary roll hoop wings. Cars are rebuilt between every Grand Prix. This involves full strip down and servicing of the fuel system, hydraulics, steering, gearbox and electrical systems. In addition to this, all the composite and metallic parts are inspected and crack checked for damage. It takes two days to build an FW28 from a bare chassis to a fully rolling car. The top speed of the FW28 with the Cosworth v8 will be 350kph. It will only see this speed at the Monza circuit in Italy. The slowest top speed the FW28 will reach is 280kph at Monte Carlo on the Principality’s twisty road circuit. The FW28 has a seven speed seamless gearbox that will change gear 2,800 times during a Grand Prix. Running at temperatures up to 1500C, it requires advanced materials technology to withstand the heat and loads. 4,500 CAD drawings were produced to make the FW28, over a period of four months. FW28 control systems include hydraulically assisted power steering, electro-hydraulic gear change, differential and clutch as well as the electro-hydraulic throttles and trumpets on the engine. Carbon brake discs and pads are used on the FW28 that generate surface temperatures in excess of 10000C during braking events of up to 5g of longitudinal deceleration. The FW28 can generate lateral accelerations up to 5g during cornering. |
