No official launch for Williams!

Williams decided not to organize an official launch for the new car this year, as the team wants to fully concentrate on its return to the forefront in 2008.

After an encouraging campaign last year where the team finished fourth in the constructors’ standings and especially put its 2006 troubles behind, it hopes to make further progress with its FW30.

Despite the high hopes placed in the new car, the team said they were against an official presentation of the new racing car.

Although no specific reason was given, it seems there was little to gain from holding a large launch event. And indeed, there are no new sponsors to introduce, and the British team has already confirmed its 2008 drivers in the persons of Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima.

Technical director Sam Michael said at the end of last year that Williams had returned to an acceptable level in 2007 thanks to improved reliability.

« The year has been quite satisfactory. Our objective was to strengthen our position in the middle of the grid and to ensure that our reliability improves, » he said.

« It was not easy because we had four withdrawals throughout the year caused by mechanical failures. Our goal is to have zero withdrawals because that’s what needs to happen if you want to win the championship. »

« There are still things to work on to be even better and achieve greater performances. However, having a solid foundation in terms of reliability helps you immensely to develop your performance because everyone focuses on making the car go faster. »

« I would say that to the extent our 2007 objectives were met, our goal is to make the 2008 season an even better year than the previous one, » concluded Sam Michael.