Soucek hails upgraded F2 car progress
Spaniard continues to assist with Williams JPH1B development
2009 FIA Formula Two Champion Andy Soucek says the
Williams-designed F2 car has already made significant improvements
as the Spaniard continues to play a major role in developing the
car prior to the 2010 season.
The 24-year-old confirmed initial upgrades had resulted in a
gain of around one second per lap compared to the 2009 car during
recent testing in Portugal. With further advances due to be
introduced later this month, Soucek is confident the car will be up
to three seconds per lap faster than its predecessor.
"The car is developing nicely and we have already made progress
with the set-up, extra power, electronics and the throttle map,"
said Soucek. "The car was already more than a second quicker than
the others in Portimão and we still have a lot to come, so
it is all very positive.
"I am very focussed on developing the F2 car - after one year of
knowing the car, the championship and all of the personnel I was
very keen to be involved. The programme went really well before
Christmas - Giles Butterfield and the team are working really hard
and I am enjoying working with them very much. It has been hard
work but also very rewarding."
The 2010 F2 car is set to be dubbed the Williams JPH1B after
undergoing a raft of changes over the winter, including an increase
in engine power and improved aero efficiency. One of the major
improvements already tested is the new high flow Garrett
turbocharger, which will raise standard power from 400bhp to 425bhp
this season. The new turbocharger will produce an even greater gain
on overboost, with power increasing from 450bhp to 480bhp. Other
improvements were also tested, but further significant advances are
set to be incorporated over the coming weeks.
Soucek will continue his testing duties, alongside regular test
driver Steven Kane, when the pair travel to Barcelona and
Portimão later this month. The aerodynamic upgrades designed
by the Williams F1 team will be available for these tests and the
overall weight of the car is set to be significantly reduced. A
number of new and improved tyre compounds are also set to be tried
and tested.
"I am looking forward to the new aero package and the reduction
in weight - I hope that the 2010 car will be around three seconds
per lap quicker than last year," concluded the Spaniard. "We have
an important programme in the coming weeks and I am really excited
about it. The plan is to improve the car in all areas and I will be
proud to be a part of the presentation once it is finished. No
matter where I am over the coming years I always want to be a part
of F2 - I owe Jonathan Palmer and the championship a lot and I am
delighted to be closely involved in F2's future."