Williams FW23

Racing car
Car_name = Williams FW23


Category = Formula One
Constructor = Williams
Designer = flagicon|UK Patrick Head (Technical Director) flagicon|UK Gavin Fisher (Chief Designer) flagicon|UK Geoff Willis (Chief Aerodynamicist)
Team = BMW WilliamsF1 Team
Drivers = 5. Ralf Schumacher
6. Juan Pablo Montoya
Chassis = Carbon-fibre monocoque
Front suspension = Williams double wishbone, torsion bar, pushrod
Rear suspension = Williams double wishbone, coil spring, pushrod
Engine name = BMW P80
Capacity = 2998 cc
Configuration = V10 (90°)
Turbo/NA = naturally aspirated
Engine position =
Gearbox name = Williams
Gears = 7-speed
Type = longitudinal semi-automatic sequential
Differential =
Fuel = Petrobras
Tyres = Michelin
Debut = 2001 Australian Grand Prix
Races = 17
Wins = 4
Cons_champ = 0
Drivers_champ = 0
Poles = 4
Fastest_laps = 8
The Williams FW23 was the car with which the Williams team competed in the F1|2001 Formula One season. It was raced in competition by Ralf Schumacher, who was in his third year with the team, and Juan Pablo Montoya, a previous Formula 3000 and CART champion who was making his F1 début.

2001 was Williams' second year with engine partners BMW, and the promise shown in F1|2000 translated into raw speed and some good results throughout the year, including the team's first win since F1|1997 at Imola. The powerful engine, well-designed chassis, the Michelin tyres' tendency to work well in hot conditions, and the efforts of two quick drivers resulted in a haul of four victories and the team's re-emergence at the top of the sport, alongside Ferrari and McLaren.

However, Williams were not able to mount a title challenge for several reasons. Firstly, the BMW engines were more unreliable than their rivals, resulting in a finishing rate of less than 50%. Secondly, the chassis was not so competitive on high-downforce tracks such as Monaco and the Hungaroring. Thirdly, both drivers made several mistakes, Montoya in particular as he came to terms with F1.

However, the team still finished a clear third in the Constructors' Championship, with 80 points.

Complete Formula One results

() (results in bold indicate pole position)

References

*cite book| last =Henry| first =Alan (ed.)| authorlink =Alan Henry| coauthors =| title =AUTOCOURSE 2001-2002| publisher =Hazleton Publishing Ltd.| date =2001| location =| pages =pp. 66-68| url =| doi =| id =ISBN 1-903135-06-0

External links