Williams are one of the most famous and illustrious names in F1, having won 9 constructors’ championships and 7 drivers’ championships, since their first Grand Prix in 1978.

However in recent years they have drifted slowly down the grid, and sadly 2009 was no different, with them finishing the 7th best team.

For 2010 the British team have a completely new driver pairing and engine supplier to aid them in their bid to be competing for more than just points. Sam Michael, the team’s technical director is optimistic:

“It was our aim to ensure stability in our design team. We have now that for the past three years and it is now time for that group to deliver a front-running car. In 2010, we have all the elements in place, not just the chassis team, but engine and drivers, too. All of this means we should be capable of delivering at the front of the field – and that’s what we have to do.”

Sam Michael

Williams FW32

Rather than a development of last years car, the FW32 is a car built by the team from scratch, with a particular focus on maximising the car’s aerodynamic ability.

After 3 years using Toyota engines, Williams will be using Cosworth engines in 2010.

The FW32 covered a lot of ground during pre-season testing, with Nico Hulkenberg setting the fastest lap of the day on his final testing session before the season kicks off, though this was on a low fuel run.

Drivers

We talked about the blend of youth and experience in the Red Bull team for 2010, but that is nothing in comparison to the experience gap in the Williams 2010 lineup.

The 37-year-old Brazilian Rubens Barrichello is already the most experienced F1 driver of all time, and is set to become the first driver to reach 300 Grand Prix entries and 300 starts, which should be achieved at the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite his age, he proved he still has pace last year at Brawn GP, where he put in some very strong race and qualifying performances. He climbed on to the top step of the podium twice.

In stark contrast to Barrichello’s experience is Nico Hulkenberg – a driver who is undoubtedly the most exciting young talent entering the sport this year. Hulkenberg has been successful in most of the series’ he has ever raced in, with the pinnacle being the GP2 champion in 2009, in which he demonstrated outstanding speed, tyre sensitivity and maturity. However, as we have seen with the likes of Nelson Piquet Jr and Romain Grosjean, good GP2 ability doesn’t always translate into good F1 ability.