FW30

Lore & Background

Williams Technical Director Sam Michael described the aim of the FW30's construction as being 'refining our package and weight distribution' rather than a radical redesign. Weight distribution was likely moved forward to better utilise the traction characteristics of the single-supply Bridgestone tyres. The car's front wing introduced a three-element design similar to the 2007 McLaren MP4-22. During the season, various aerodynamic tweaks were made, including front wing modifications from the Turkish Grand Prix onward, sidepod winglet changes before the French Grand Prix, and rear wing adjustments for the Italian Grand Prix. KERS testing for 2009 was conducted using a modified FW29, not the FW30.

Reader's Guide

The FW30 is powered by Toyota's RVX-08 engine, conforming to FIA 2,400 cc V8 regulations, with a standardised FIA-approved ECU. Drive is via Williams's own seven-speed, semi-automatic transmission with seamless shift mechanism. The car's basic architecture is a carbon fibre, aramid and honeycomb composite monocoque, with zero keel double wishbone suspension and twin-pillar rear wing. The cockpit sides were raised per new FIA regulations. The team finished the season eighth with 26 points.

Did You Know?

• The FW30 was unveiled without a ceremonial launch, simply appearing at an FIA test session at Valencia on 21 January 2008.
• In early pre-season testing, the cars ran in six liveries marking Williams employees, sponsors, and the team's 30th season.
• At the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg finished second, Williams's best result of the season.
• The FW30's front wing was a key aerodynamic component, but typical total downforce for F1 cars of that era was around 1000–1200 kg at high speed, not the exaggerated figures sometimes claimed.
• For the Monaco Grand Prix, Williams experimented with a 'shark fin' engine cover similar to those on Renault and Red Bull cars.