Williams FW17

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Williams FW17
Category Formula One
Constructor Williams
Designer(s) Patrick Head
Adrian Newey
Technical Specifications
Chassis carbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front) pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
Suspension (rear) pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
Engine Renault RS7/RS7B/RS7C V10 (67°) naturally aspirated
Transmission Williams 6-speed transverse
Fuel Elf
Tyres Goodyear
Competition History
Notable entrants Rothmans Williams Renault
Notable drivers 5. Damon Hill
6. David Coulthard
Debut 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix
 Races   Wins    Poles     FLs   
17 5 12 6
Constructors' Championships 0
Drivers' Championships 0

The Williams FW17 was the car 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.

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

With what was regarded as the best chassis in the field combined with the best engine[1], 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 always 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.

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.

[edit] 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
1995 Williams Renault V10 G BRA ARG SMR ESP MON CAN FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA POR EUR PAC JPN AUS 112 2nd
Damon Hill Ret 1 1 4 2 Ret 2 Ret Ret 1 2 Ret 3 Ret 3 Ret 1
David Coulthard 2 Ret 4 Ret Ret Ret 3 3 2 2 Ret Ret 1 3 2 Ret Ret

[edit] References

  1. ^ Henry, Alan (ed.) (1995). AUTOCOURSE 1995-96. Hazleton Publishing, p. 49. ISBN 1-874557-36-5.