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Williams Introduce New FW31 for 2009

Williams F1 are the 5th team to unveil their 2009 challenger this year. Much like Renault earlier today or Toyota the other week, Frank Williams opted for a low-key launch of their FW31 car, in an effort to reduce costs ahead of their new F1 campaign.

As expected, the design of the new car features the today-fashionable narrow rear wing versus wider front wing aerodynamic change, introduced by the FIA as part of the new aerodynamic rulebook for the upcoming season. The change will hopefully increase the percentage of on-track overtaking, as it will make it easier for trailing cars to overtake the car before them due to the improved airflow.

As compared to their 2009 rivals, Williams F1 are yet to unveil their livery for the new season. It is expected that the painted scheme will enter the scene during the February testing sessions.

Also new about the FW31 is their new Kinetic Energy Recovery System. Frank Williams' team is the only one in the F1 paddock that won't see any electrocuted mechanics in their garages through their 2009 campaign as they have developed a flywheel-mechanical system for 2009.

Apart from the departed Honda F1 team, Williams are the second team in the F1 paddock to focus their attention on the 2009 programme throughout the 2008 season.

Nico Hulkenberg is set to test the new car on track during the course of today, at the Portimao circuit.
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