Williams to try more aero improvements at Monte.

Williams technical director, Sam Michael has confirmed that the Grove based team will introduce yet more new aerodynamic improvements this weekend for the FW27 at the Monaco GP, as they bid to bounce back from a rather lacklustre start to the year.

Furthermore following a 'productive test' last week at Vallelunga, the Italian track which bears a considerable resemblance to the narrow, twisting Mediterranean street circuit, the team is keen show they can still do the business.

Williams technical director, Sam Michael has confirmed that the Grove based team will introduce yet more new aerodynamic improvements this weekend for the FW27 at the Monaco GP, as they bid to bounce back from a rather lacklustre start to the year.

Furthermore following a 'productive test' last week at Vallelunga, the Italian track which bears a considerable resemblance to the narrow, twisting Mediterranean street circuit, the team is keen show they can still do the business.

"Last week we tested at the Vallelunga circuit, in Italy, in preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix. The team mainly concentrated on tyre testing for Michelin, but we also worked on set-ups, cooling checks and starts," he said.

"Monaco is a tight street circuit, where the grip level increases quite considerably over the weekend. The increase is primarily due to the soft tyre compounds which lay a lot of rubber down. 2005 may see this pattern change slightly though, as the tyres now have to complete an entire race. Overtaking is virtually impossible at Monaco, so strategy will be an important factor.

"We have more aerodynamic improvements for the FW27 for Monaco. The improvements are a result of an intensive development programme at the Williams factory and are a testimony to the determination of everyone involved."

BMW boss, Mario Theissen meanwhile added that they paid particular attention to their starts last week, something that might give team drivers' - Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld, an edge come Sunday's race.

"Next to a good qualifying result, a good start is crucial in Monaco," confirmed Theissen. "As the level of grip varies a great deal on what are ordinarily public roads, it is difficult to find just the right amount of grip. At the test in Vallelunga, we placed a strong emphasis on our practice starts again. Good starts depend on a combination of quick driver reactions, precise clutch control and optimum acceleration governed by the traction control system.

"On Monaco's roads, engine power alone won't win you any trophies, but good engine driveability at relatively low revs definitely pays off. Since the track modifications, the Rascasse corner at the harbour is no longer as tight as it was. Last season, the Loews hairpin was the only F1 corner where engine speed dropped down to the 5,000 rpm range in first gear.

"Incidentally, in 2006 we'll be lamenting the passing of the variable intake trumpets on circuits such as this where you have to drive in unusual rev ranges. By adjusting the length of the intake manifold, we can currently achieve a fuller torque curve. This technology will be banned in the future V8 engines.

"The Monaco Grand Prix, and the subsequent race at the Nurburgring, make up the season's first back-to-back races. In all, the 2005 calendar has six sets of two consecutive Grand's Prix within eight days. In the ten weeks following the Monaco GP, eight Grand's Prix will be held. For the teams, and in particular for the logistics staff, that will mean working at full revs."

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