** Fórmula 1 - Pretemporada 2009 ** Opciones

[`]

Williams reveal 2009 wing package



Williams have become the first team to reveal what the 2009-specification front wings will look like after Jonathan Kennard shook down an FW30 chassis fitted with the new-style front and rear wings at the Kemble airfield today. The team had previously trialled a 2009-style rear wing at Barcelona in September, but today's run was the first time that the revised front wing had been displayed. Most teams are expected to try parts modified for the 2009 regulations in next week's Barcelona sessions.

Under next year's radically different aerodynamic rules, the wings have been simplified with most of the current additional protrusions removed. The front wing is lower and wider, and drivers will be able to make a limited number of wing angle adjustments from the cockpit. The rear wing has been made narrower and taller.

The aim is to improve the quality of the racing by allowing drivers to follow each other more closely in fast corners.

The definitive versions of the 2009 cars will also have different diffusers, slick tyres and kinetic energy recovery systems, and will no longer feature extra aerodynamic devices on the central bodywork.

Kennard's straightline test today was the former Formula 3 front-runner's first run in a Formula One car, and he expressed his gratitude to the team afterwards.

"It has been a good day today and great to be able to drive the new-spec Formula One car for the first time," he said.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Sir Frank (Williams) and the team for the opportunity. I enjoyed working through the test programme and assisting the team with their preparations for the 2009 season."

[`]

Badoer tested at Fiorano yesterday. The barge boards were taken off, so were the wheel covers and winglets. Aerodynamically the F2008K was set up in such a way that the downforce levels of next year were simulated. Parts of KERS were tested, but the actual system wasn't in use. Only next week at Barcelona it will be fully operational. The test was merely a shake down I think, I'm not sure about the number of laps Badoer did, laptimes in any case were not important at all.

The unit that charges and releases the energy weighs in between 5 and 7 kg but is to weigh below 5 kg at the start of the season.

The electronic unit that controls the system is made by Magneti Marelli and is placed in between the body and the engine in a space where usually the fueltank is situated. It has the shape of a shoe box and weighs 3,8 kg.

The motor generator weighs 5,3 kg but is to weigh below 5 kg eventually. New materials derived from spatial technology has been implemented in the device.

The lithium batteries (which have the capacity of a 10 litre jerry can) are placed behind the driver. This is close to the centre of gravity and doesn't require too many cable leads. However, it does require sophisticated cooling. It is water cooled, just like the rest of the system.

The engineers have tried to locate most of the parts of the system at the lowest point possible in the longitudenal middle of the body. This not only good for the centre of gravity but also allowes the torsional rigidity of the F2008 to be retained.

Overall the system (which size is contained) should weigh around 30 kg. Many things will still be modified.