Williams · 1978

Williams FW06

Williams' first competitive car. Alan Jones scored the team's first podium.

Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 · 480 HP

Races
16
Wins
0
Poles
0
Win Rate
0.0%

Williams FW06 — Full Analysis

The Williams FW06 is one of the most significant Formula 1 cars in Williams\'s history. Introduced in 1978, this car represented Williams\'s technical philosophy of the era, combining Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 power with aerodynamic development that reflected the regulations and competitive landscape of the time.

Powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 producing 480 HP, the Williams FW06 competed in 16 races. Williams' first competitive car. Alan Jones scored the team's first podium.

The car weighed 590 kg and was capable of reaching 295 km/h on the fastest circuits. The Williams FW06 was a product of its era — the technical regulations, tyre compounds, and competitive environment all shaped its design and development.

Williams\'s engineering team worked extensively on the Williams FW06\'s aerodynamic package, seeking to maximise downforce while minimising drag. The car\'s suspension setup was carefully calibrated to work with the tyres of the era, and the engine installation was optimised for both performance and reliability. The Williams FW06 represents a chapter in Williams\'s long Formula 1 history — a history that spans 48 seasons and includes 9 Constructors\' Championships and 7 Drivers\' Championships.

In the context of Williams\'s broader F1 programme, the Williams FW06 was part of a continuous development process. The lessons learned from this car informed the design of subsequent models, contributing to Williams\'s ongoing technical evolution. The car\'s performance data — lap times, tyre degradation rates, fuel consumption figures — all fed into the team\'s knowledge base and helped shape future development directions.

Technical Specifications

CarWilliams FW06
Year1978
EngineFord Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8
Power Output480 HP
Weight590 kg
Top Speed295 km/h
Races Entered16
Race Wins0
Pole Positions0
Win Rate0.0%
Pole Rate0.0%
ConstructorWilliams

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