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Williams present new car as testing begins in Jerez

01 Feb 2015

Williams have officially rolled out their new car ahead of the first morning of running at the opening pre-season test of 2015 in Jerez, Spain.

As indicated by previously released images, the Mercedes-powered FW37 is a clear evolution of last year’s highly competitive FW36 which carried Williams to nine podiums and third place in the constructors’ standings - the Grove-based team’s highest finish since 2003.

Commenting on the new car, team principal and founder, Sir Frank Williams, said: “After such a strong season in 2014 we are looking to continue the move back towards the front of the grid. The move from ninth to third was a tough challenge, but ultimately every step up from now on will be even harder. I am confident that we have the appropriate personnel and talent in this team to make those steps.

“We have an experienced driver line-up, with both drivers finishing on the podium throughout last year and hungry for more success in 2015, new commercial partners to add to the continued support from our already impressive roster, and have a technical team that is amongst the best on the grid.

“I am looking forward to seeing the car in testing and assessing how other teams have fared over the winter in comparison to us. We should, once again, have a very exciting season ahead of us which will hopefully bring more success to Williams.”

Felipe Massa, who will once again share driving duties with Valtteri Bottas, said the team had every reason to feel upbeat about their prospects for 2015: “The momentum we carry from last year has been very encouraging, the team has changed so much from 12 months ago and it is clear to see everyone is heading in a good direction.

“The development rate of the FW36 was one of the most exciting elements to the car, the team worked exceptionally hard throughout the year to make sure that we had a faster car at each race, and I look forward to a similarly impressive car this year.”

Despite recognising that the team would face increased expectations in 2015, Bottas was similarly optimistic, saying: “Other teams and our fans are expecting a performance like last year, and all the personnel at Williams have been working tirelessly to make sure this is not only achievable but the benchmark for improvement.

“For much of last year we had the second fastest car, and this year we plan to take every opportunity to challenge at the front. After my first podium in 2014 I hope to continue developing as a driver as I aim for my first win. I look forward to working closely with Felipe again this year as we strengthen our relationship to extract the most from the car.”

Bottas, who finished fourth in last year's drivers' standings, will give the FW37 its track debut on Sunday morning.