Williams abandons its ‘fin’ wings

Williams has abandoned the idea of introducing its ‘fins’ located near the cockpit on the FW31 during the race. The latest tests did not prove conclusive in terms of safety.

The team had innovated with this type of fins introduced at the end of February, considering it as a way to channel the airflow over the rear of the car.

Although many aerodynamic elements are theoretically prohibited under the 2009 technical regulations, the team was able to exploit this idea thanks to a loophole in the new system.

But after discussions between the team and the FIA technical delegate, Charlie Whiting, during the last test event in Barcelona, Williams chose not to pursue the concept as a precautionary measure.

These ‘fins’ could be a potential danger for the driver in the event of an accident.

Williams could have kept these wings for the opening race in Australia, but the team confirmed it does not plan to do so.

She had already removed the item during the last test day in Barcelona last Thursday and is currently operating in Jerez without it.

Williams was not the only team to introduce such wings. BMW-Sauber had them too but should get rid of the elements that appeared on their car during testing.