Williams: FW28 must re-establish us at sharp end.

WilliamsF1 technical director, Sam Michael has admitted that a lot rests on their 2006 car - the new FW28, which was unveiled at the team's headquarters near Oxford this afternoon.

Speaking following the launch of the FW28, Michael added that following several disappointing seasons, the Grove based squad must make steps forward this year and challenge the likes of Renault and McLaren-Mercedes, who set the pace in 2005.

"The FW28 has a lot resting on its shoulders as it must re-establish Williams at the sharp end," he confirmed. "There are many good teams in Formula One now and how to beat them is simple - design a faster car."

Michael meanwhile added that the FW28 is very different to last season's FW27, not only because of the regulations changes, but also because they have switched to using Bridgestone tyres and will now be powered by Cosworth rather than BMW engines.

"The FW28 has been a large departure from previous Williams' designs due in part to new aerodynamic efficiency targets, but also the mechanical challenges of changing to Bridgestone tyres and Cosworth's V8 engine," he added. "It has been a really interesting car to design and I believe that will continue to be the case during its development in 2006."

Williams will now beginning testing with the FW28 next week at Valencia in Spain, running begins on Tuesday January 31.