Williams FW17

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The Williams FW17 was a Formula One car designed by Adrian Newey with which the Williams team competed in the 1995 Formula One season. It was driven by Damon Hill, who was in his third year with the team, and David Coulthard, who was in his first full season after a part-time role in 1994.

Williams FW17
Williams FW17B
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorWilliams
Designer(s)Patrick Head, Adrian Newey
PredecessorFW16
SuccessorFW18
Technical specifications[1][2]
ChassisCarbon fibre and Kevlar monocoque
Suspension (front)pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
Suspension (rear)pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
EngineRenault RS7, 3,000 cc (183.1 cu in), 67° V10 NA mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionWilliams transverse 6-speed semi-automatic
FuelElf
TyresGoodyear
Competition history
Notable entrantsRothmans Williams Renault
Notable drivers5. United Kingdom Damon Hill
6. United Kingdom David Coulthard
Debut1995 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
175126
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

With what was regarded as the best chassis in the field combined with the best engine,[3] the 1995 season was disappointing for the team, who were beaten to both titles by Michael Schumacher and Benetton. Although the FW17 was superior in qualifying trim, taking 12 pole positions, Schumacher was usually more competitive on race day, and was able to win nine races against Hill and Coulthard's combined total of five. This situation was not helped by both drivers making several unfortunate errors during the course of the season.

For the Portuguese GP, the Williams FW17B was used for the first time. In its five races, it took four pole positions and two victories, but the titles were already just about out of reach due to the success of Schumacher and his Benetton B195.

The team eventually finished second in the Constructors' Championship, with 112 points.

The FW17 is notable for being the first Williams car to race with a raised nose.

Damon Hill driving the FW17 at the 1995 British Grand Prix.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year Team Chassis Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Pts. WCC
1995 Rothmans Williams Renault Renault RS7
V10
G BRA ARG SMR ESP MON CAN FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA POR EUR PAC JPN AUS 112 2nd
FW17 Damon Hill Ret 1 1 4 2 Ret 2 Ret Ret 1 2 Ret 3
FW17B Ret 3 Ret 1
FW17 David Coulthard 2 Ret 4 Ret Ret Ret 3 3 2 2 Ret Ret 1
FW17B P 3 2 Ret Ret

References

  • Henry, Alan (ed.) (1995). AUTOCOURSE 1995-96. Hazleton Publishing. pp. 48–51. ISBN 1-874557-36-5. {{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  1. ^ http://www.statsf1.com/en/williams-fw17.aspx
  2. ^ http://www.statsf1.com/en/williams-fw17b.aspx
  3. ^ Henry, Alan (ed.) (1995). AUTOCOURSE 1995-96. Hazleton Publishing. p. 49. ISBN 1-874557-36-5. {{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Awards
Preceded by Autosport
Racing Car Of The Year

1995
Succeeded by