Race and classic pictures

Williams FW44 rolls out at Silverstone for shakedown

©Williams

Although Williams revealed its new livery earlier today on a showcar, the team rolled out its genuine Fw44 at Silverstone on Tuesday afternoon for a shakedown run.

The British outfit's new blue colors looked striking under the spotlights of its digital presentation, but its legitimate 2022 contender looked even more impressive in the broad daylight out on the track.

Also, eagle-eyed fans will note several significant differences on the the FW44 compared with the model presented earlier today, with the car on track featuring a different front end, sidepods and engine cover.

Williams chief executive Jost Capito explained on Tuesday why the Grove-based squad didn't reveal its FW44 design at its digital launch.

"Because we worked on the livery and we wanted to have that perfect and that's why we could only do it on the show car – because it took a while to do," he said.

"And the race car itself is just getting ready. Because it looks like 2pm we can go out on track and then we will have some photos as well from that car.

"It's just we wanted to show something proper on the livery."

©Williams

Capito also said that the car's shakedown at Silverstone on Tuesday was delayed by a small issue.

"It should have run a bit earlier today, but we had an issue on the electronics that had to be solved to take it a bit longer," he said.

"We're now starting at 2pm instead of 1pm. That's it. And I accept this one-hour delay!"

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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