Williams FW06

Williams FW06
Category Formula One
Constructor Williams Grand Prix Engineering
Designer(s) Patrick Head
Successor FW07
Technical specifications
Chassis Aluminium monocoque
Engine Ford-Cosworth DFV 2993cc 90° V8 naturally aspirated mid-mounted
Transmission Hewland FGA 400 6-speed manual
Tyres Goodyear
Competition history
Notable entrants Williams
Notable drivers 27. Australia Alan Jones
28. Switzerland Clay Regazzoni
Debut 1978 Argentine Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF.Laps
20002
Constructors' Championships 0
Drivers' Championships 0

The Williams FW06 was the first car produced by the combination of Frank Williams and Patrick Head for their Williams Grand Prix Engineering Formula One team. As was the standard arrangement for the many small British garagiste teams, the car was powered by the Cosworth DFV 3.0 litre V8 engine.

It first took to the racetrack in anger in the 1978 Argentine Grand Prix in the hands of Alan Jones, and a single car competed in all 16 rounds of the World Championship that season, finishing in the points 3 times including a second place at Watkins Glen.

The FW06 also saw service in the first 4 races of the 1979 season, with Clay Regazzoni joining Jones in the team. Jones finished in third place at Long Beach, but by now the car was being left behind by the ground effect cars of Lotus, Ligier, Tyrrell and others, and the car was replaced by the FW07.

Nevertheless the FW06 is widely regarded as one of the best of the pre-ground effect Formula One cars.


Complete Formula One World Championship results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position) (results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Points WCC
1978 Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ford Cosworth DFV V8 G ARG BRA RSA USW MON BEL ESP SWE FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA USA CAN 11 9th
Australia Alan Jones Ret 14 4 7 Ret 10 8 Ret 5 Ret Ret Ret Ret 13 2 9
1979 Albilad-Saudia Racing Team Ford Cosworth DFV V8 G ARG BRA RSA USW ESP BEL MON FRA GBR GER AUT NED ITA CAN USA 75* 2nd
Australia Alan Jones 9 Ret Ret 3
Switzerland Clay Regazzoni 10 15 9 Ret

* 71 points in 1979 scored using the FW07

Gallery

Williams FW06 in the pit garages at Silverstone, July 2007.