The final launch of F1 2013 was completed this morning as the Williams F1 Team FW35 was unveiled at the final F1 test in Barcelona.
The Renault-powered FW35 is an evolution of last year’s FW34′ now featuring the universally popular Coanda exhausts and push-rod front suspension.
Pastor Maldonado took to the Barcelona track shortly after 9:30 local time, however test driver Susie Wolff was first to christen the FW35 at a private test session in front of team members at the Idiada facility in Spain.
The design of the FW35 is an evolution of last year’s car, even though 80 per cent of the car is new – featuring a new gearbox, new rear suspension, new radiators, new floor, new exhausts, new bodywork and new nose – with a vanity panel to remove the step. A significant amount of weight has also been saved.

The new gearbox has already completed 3,200kms on the dyno, equivalent to five straight Grand Prix weekends, so despite the lateness of the car, the team haven’t just completed building it.
“Given the rule stability over the winter, I’m pleased with the gains that we’ve been able to make with this car” said Williams Technical Director Mike Coughlan, “It’s a better, more refined Formula One car than the FW34 and I think everyone involved in the project can feel proud of the work they’ve done.”
“The Coanda effect is going to be a big thing for us,” Coughlan says. “There’s been no rule clarification concerning this area of the car, so we’ll work closely with Renault to maximise the available gains.
The walrus-nose is reminiscent of Ferrari’s new F138, although Williams F1 say they’ll upgrade the FW35 will a completely new aerodynamic package before the first race in Melbourne next month.
Between now and then there’s this week’s 4-day test in Barcelona plus one further 4-day test at the circuit next week.
Joining the team’s official sponsors in 2013 is Experian, provider of credit, marketing data and business decisioning services, who have agreed a multi-year partnership with the team including sponsorship of the car and team’s uniform.
Written By

Steve Davies
Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.
Try These Next
Stories we think you'll enjoy
May 22, 2023
BTCC, Snetterton: Transmission’s Top 20
The BTCC's third racing weekend of the year took us to Snetterton, which not only boasts the longest circuit on the calendar...
March 5, 2023
The VSCC’s Pomeroy Trophy
From a 1913 Vauxhall Viper to a somewhat more modern Zafira, the VSCC's Pomeroy Trophy had something for everyone.