Changes in progress for 2010
06 January 2010
As the start of the 2010 season nears ever-closer, Williams continues to evaluate areas in which the Formula 2 car can be improved ahead of the new-look championship's second campaign. Recent upgrades to the JPH1 have already been tested by Champion Andy Soucek and regular test driver Steven Kane, with Silverstone set to host the season-opener in mid-April.
With Williams making use of CFD (Computation Fluid Dynamics) technology to improve the overall aerodynamics of the car, downforce is predicted to increase by any figure between 15 and 20 percent. A raft of other mechanical upgrades are also in the pipeline.
"Williams F1 did an outstanding job designing the JPH1 F2 car in 2009 under the direction of Patrick Head," explains Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of series organisers MotorSport Vision.
"However, 2009 has just provided us with a solid base from which to aggressively enhance F2. Key areas that will be addressed for 2010 include a target of achieving 100 percent car reliability, greater car performance and team operational efficiency."
"Jonathan Palmer is never one to stand still and, amongst many other improvements, wishes to raise the performance of the car by working on all the major performance controlling parameters; weight, power, tyre grip, downforce and drag," added Head, Williams' Director of Engineering. "Formula 2 made a mark in 2009 as a competitive championship, professionally run with equal cars, but everything can be improved and we intend that this shall be the case for F2 in 2010."
The 2010 F2 upgrade overview is as follows:
- Standard engine power raised from 400bhp to 420bhp
- Overboost facility increased from 450bhp to 480bhp
- Aerodynamic efficiency improved by 15%
- 20% greater downforce generated
- Operating weight of car reduced by around 25kg
- Improved weight distribution
- New gearbox castings
- Magnesium bell housing adaptor
- Increased front tyre diameter and softer compound
- Greater stability through revised differential components
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