Williams FW23

Williams FW23

Ralf Schumacher driving the FW23 at the 2001 Canadian Grand Prix
Category	Formula One
Constructor	Williams
Designer(s)	Patrick Head (Technical Director) Gavin Fisher (Chief Designer) Brian O'Roake (Chief Composites Engineer) Mark Tatham (Chief Mechanical Engineer) Geoff Willis (Head of Aerodynamics) Jason Somerville (Principal Aerodynamicist) Nick Alcock (Principal Aerodynamicist)
Predecessor	Williams FW22
Successor	Williams FW24
Technical specifications
Chassis	Carbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)	Williams double wishbone, torsion bar, pushrod
Suspension (rear)	Williams double wishbone, coil spring, pushrod
Engine	BMW P81 2,998 cc (182.9 cu in) V10 (90°) naturally aspirated, 19,000 RPM mid-engined
Transmission	Williams 7-speed longitudinal semi-automatic sequential
Power	880 hp (656 kW) @ 18,000 RPM
Fuel	Petrobras
Lubricants	Castrol
Tyres	Michelin
Competition history
Notable entrants	BMW Williams F1 Team
Notable drivers	5. Ralf Schumacher 6. Juan Pablo Montoya
Debut	2001 Australian Grand Prix
First win	2001 San Marino Grand Prix
Last win	2001 Italian Grand Prix
Last event	2001 Japanese Grand Prix
Races Wins Podiums Poles F/Laps 17 4 9 4 8
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0

The Williams FW23 was the car with which the Williams team competed in the 2001 Formula One World Championship. It was driven by German Ralf Schumacher, who was in his third year with the team, and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, a previous Formula 3000 and CART champion who was making his F1 début.

This was the first Williams car supplied with Michelin tyres since the FW07 in 1981.

Overview

Car and season

Montoya's FW23 on display at the Donington Grand Prix Collection

2001 was Williams' second year with engine partners BMW and the promise shown in 2000 translated into raw speed and some good results throughout the year, including the team's first win since 1997, at Imola. The powerful engine, well-designed chassis, the Michelin tyres' tendency to work well in hot conditions and the efforts of two quick drivers resulted in a haul of four victories and the team's re-emergence at the top of the sport, alongside Ferrari and McLaren. The car was especially strong on faster circuits such as Hockenheim and Monza, where the BMW engine put Williams at a distinct advantage over their rivals.

However, Williams was not able to mount a title challenge, for several reasons. Firstly, the BMW engines were more unreliable than their rivals, resulting in a finishing rate of less than 50%. Secondly, in contrast to the faster circuits, the chassis was not as competitive on high-downforce tracks such as Monaco and the Hungaroring. Thirdly, both drivers made several mistakes, Montoya in particular as he came to terms with F1.

However, the team still finished a clear third in the Constructors' Championship, with 80 points.

A total of nine chassis were built.

Sponsorship and livery

BMW Williams went into the 2001 season with renewed major sponsorships such as Allianz, Nortel Networks, Compaq, Reuters, Veltins, Petrobras and Castrol. The team received new sponsorship from WorldCom while 11880.com was discontinued. The livery was similar to the 2000 design with subtle changes.

In free practice ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, Williams jokingly painted their rear wing with a text saying "Keep Your Distance!" after several rear-end shunts in the opening races, most notably by Jos Verstappen on Montoya whilst leading in Brazil.

Gallery

• 
  FW23-05, 2001
• 
  FW23-05, rear view

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year	Team	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	Points	WCC
2001	Williams	BMW V10	M		AUS	MAL	BRA	SMR	ESP	AUT	MON	CAN	EUR	FRA	GBR	GER	HUN	BEL	ITA	USA	JPN	80	3rd
				Ralf Schumacher	Ret	5	Ret	1	Ret	Ret	Ret	1	4	2	Ret	1	4	7	3	Ret	6
				Juan Pablo Montoya	Ret	Ret	Ret	Ret	2	Ret	Ret	Ret	2	Ret	4	Ret	8	Ret	1	Ret	2

References

• Henry, Alan, ed. (2001). AUTOCOURSE 2001-2002. Hazleton Publishing Ltd. pp. 66–68. ISBN 1-903135-06-0.