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Williams FW23

Formula One racing car

Gavin Fisher (Chief Designer) Brian O'Roake (Chief Composites Engineer) Mark Tatham (Chief Mechanical Engineer) Steve Wise (Head of Electronics) Geoff Willis (Head of Aerodynamics) Jason Somerville (Principal Aerodynamicist) Nick Alcock (Principal Aerodynamicist) Werner Laurenz (Technical Engine Director - BMW) Heinz Paschen (Chief Designer, Engine - BMW) | Turbo/NA = naturally aspirated, 19,000 RPM 6. COL Juan Pablo Montoya The Williams FW23 was the car with which the Williams team competed in the 2001 Formula One World Championship. It was driven by German Ralf Schumacher, who was in his third year with the team, and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, a previous Formula 3000 and CART champion who was making his F1 début.

This was the first Williams car supplied with Michelin tyres since the FW07 in 1981.

Overview

Car and season

Montoya's FW23 on display at the [[Donington Grand Prix Collection

2001 was Williams' second year with engine partners BMW and the promise shown in translated into raw speed and some good results throughout the year, including the team's first win since , 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. The car was especially strong on faster circuits such as Hockenheim and Monza, where the BMW engine put Williams at a distinct advantage over their rivals.

However, Williams was 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, in contrast to the faster circuits, the chassis was not as 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.

A total of nine chassis were built.

Sponsorship and livery

BMW Williams went into the 2001 season with renewed major sponsorships such as Allianz, Nortel Networks, Compaq, Reuters, Veltins, Petrobras and Castrol. The team received new sponsorship from WorldCom while 11880.com was discontinued. The livery was similar to the 2000 design with subtle changes.

In France, Veltins was replaced with "Visions" due to alcohol branding being outlawed.

In free practice ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, Williams jokingly painted their rear wing with a text saying "Keep Your Distance!" after several rear-end shunts in the opening races, most notably by Jos Verstappen on Montoya whilst leading in Brazil.

Gallery

File:WilliamsF1-BMW_FW23-05_a.JPG | FW23-05, 2001 File:WilliamsF1-BMW_FW23-05_b.JPG | FW23-05, rear view

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year	Team	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	15	17	WCC
	Williams	BMW V10					AUS		MAL		BRA		SMR		ESP		AUT	MON	CAN	EUR	FRA	GBR	GER	HUN	BEL	ITA	USA	JPN	80	3rd
DEU Ralf Schumacher	Ret	5	Ret	1	Ret	Ret	Ret	1	4	2	Ret	1	4	7	3	Ret	6
COL Juan Pablo Montoya	Ret	Ret	Ret	Ret	2	Ret	Ret	Ret	2	Ret	4	Ret	8	Ret	1	Ret	2

References

DeMattia, Nico. (25 July 2015). "One of the greatest engines in history of Formula 1: BMW V10".
Jones, Bruce. (2002). "The Official F1 Grand Prix Guide 2002". [[Welbeck Publishing Group.
(13 April 2001). "Williams tell rivals: "Keep your distance!"".
"All championship race entries, in an Williams FW23". ChicaneF1.
"Williams FW23". StatsF1.

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