"The process itself is not particularly different to previous years; there is the same type of interaction between aerodynamics, design and the stress office, just more of it given the very significant changes that are taking place. It has obviously been necessary to create a KERS design group and the combination of established Williams employees and new engineers is working extremely well. The biggest area of change in comparison to 2006 and 2007 is the winter test programme as there are many more new systems to evaluate than in the previous couple of winters."

Is the team on schedule with the development of the 2009 car, then?

"Yes. We set out a fairly detailed development plan towards the end of 2007 when it was fairly clear what the major regulation changes for 2009 would be. This included certain performance objectives in terms of both aerodynamic and mechanical development and also a clear timetable for track testing key elements of the new technology. At this point in time, we are on plan with the aerodynamic targets and have brought new technologies to the track in line with our initial thinking.

At Jerez in September this included a new gearbox and rear suspension, an interim aerodynamic package incorporating the 2009 rear wing and diffuser and some core elements of our KERS system. All elements performed well and running those items early has been extremely valuable as we have been able to start winter testing with working aerodynamic characteristics that are similar to those expected for 2009."

D.B. © CAPSIS International