Williams Unveils Compaq Fw22.

Williams today launched its year 2000 Formula One campaign by unveiling three new components in its world title assault.


Topping the bill was new driver Jenson Button, who was selected to partner Ralf Schumacher ahead of Brazilian F3000 star Bruno Junqueira, but as much interest centred on the unveiling of the latest Williams chassis - the FW22 - and new title sponsor, Compaq.


The new car was presented to the press for the first time at the Circuit de Catalunya this morning, surrounded by the Compaq logos which will adorn its flanks in 2000 and beyond. A five-year, ?20million, deal has been agreed with the technology giant, creating the first major non-tobacco sponsorship in modern Formula One. Compaq will also assist the team in design, manufacture and other IT functions as a result of the agreement.


The FW22, created by a team led by chief designer Gavin Fisher and chief aerodynamicist Geoff Willis, is essentially an evolution of last year's promising, but reliability-dogged, FW21. It also features BMW's first F1 engine since its heyday with Brabham back in the 1980s.


"The philosophy behind the FW22 has been one of intelligent design evolution rather than revolution," said Fisher, "Although our final championship position last year was somewhat short of what we had hoped, there were specific performances which showed that the basic principles of the car were based on solid foundations. We have, therefore, focused our efforts on identifying and correcting the problems which limited the FW21.


"There are no substantial regulation changes this year, but we are, of course, beginning a new era with BMW. A new engine brings new problems that require new solutions. We are confident that the FW22 will make a significant step up the learning curve, which will ultimately see us in championship contention within the next two or three years."


"The external shape of the FW22 reflects the results of a continuous programme of design and wind tunnel testing," added Willis, "Aerodynamically, last year's car was very competitive in low and medium trim, but suffered problems at higher downforce circuits. We have made a good improvement with the overall aerodynamic performance so far, and have focused on solving the characteristic problems of last year. As always, the early season testing will indicate how our performance has progressed."