2008 Williams FW30

The Williams FW30 was an evolution of the predecessor car used during the 2007 season, the Williams FW29. Power came from Toyota, just as with the FW29, and was mated to a Williams seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

The FW30 made its public debut on January 21st of 2008 at the Circuit de Valencia in Spain. Its race debut was at the Australian Grand Prix where it was driven by Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima.

The FW30 had a carbon-fiber and honeycomb composite monocoque platform and was given the FW29's double wishbone suspension arrangement, along with the twin-pillar rear wing. The FW30's front wing was of new design, when compared with the FW29's setup. The FW29 had a two-element wing whereas the FW30 had a three-element design, similar to that used on the McLaren MP4-22. The front wing was suspended from the nose cone using the forward element.

The cockpit sides were significantly raised in comparison to previous years. The exhaust chimneys were altered from the FW29's side-exit design, to a slimmer, vertical-exit one. There was a slight increase in the number of cooling louvers in the upper surfaces of the side pods, made due to a change in the orientation of the main radiators within the pods.

As the season progressed, slight changes were made to the aerodynamics of the FW30. The design of the front wing bridge was altered slightly from the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix onward. The bridge element was given two small airflow 'fences' giving the team the ability to extend the depth of the wing profile. These changes added an increase in the aerodynamic downforce generated by the wing, without increasing drag.

The Toyota RVX-08 engine was a V8 unit that displaced 2400cc. One change made to the engine when compared with the prior seasons power-plant was the addition of an FIA-approved ECU. This was added to eliminate traction control and engine-assisted braking.

Driving for Team Williams was Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima. The team would finish the season in 8th place in the World Constructors Championship after having scored 26 points. Their best finish was at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Rosberg finished in 2nd place.


By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011

2008 Williams FW30

Recent Vehicle Additions

Related Automotive News

From the PEUGEOT 905 to the PEUGEOT 9X8: 30 years of outstanding innovation and performance

From the PEUGEOT 905 to the PEUGEOT 9X8: 30 years of outstanding innovation and performance

From the 1991 PEUGEOT 905 to the 2021 PEUGEOT 9X8 30 years of outstanding innovation and performance For more than 210 years, PEUGEOT has been moving with the times, anticipating changes in customer behaviour and paving the way for new mobility...
THE McLAREN 675LT: POWER. A BEAUTIFUL THING

THE McLAREN 675LT: POWER. A BEAUTIFUL THING

Light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement – all characteristics of a McLaren Longtail 0-100 kmh (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds 0-200 kmh (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds top speed of 330kmh (205 mph...
Techno Classica 2014: more than 30 racing cars to celebrate 120 years of Mercedes-Benz motor racing history

Techno Classica 2014: more than 30 racing cars to celebrate 120 years of Mercedes-Benz motor racing history

Cars that were the heroes of magical moments put their stamp on this high-powered, most comprehensive show presentation With more than 30 vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Classic presents motor racing history in all its unique breadth and depth 120 years o...
MALAYSIAN GP – FELIPE FIGHTS BACK TO FIFTH, FERNANDO'S UNLUCKY 200TH

MALAYSIAN GP – FELIPE FIGHTS BACK TO FIFTH, FERNANDO'S UNLUCKY 200TH

Felipe Massa fought back strongly after slipping down the order from his front row start position, to bring home valuable points for fifth place. Fernando Alonsos 200th Grand Prix is not one he will care to remember, as it lasted only just over a lap,...
Bahrain Grand Prix: Qualifying

Bahrain Grand Prix: Qualifying

Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from fifth and 18th places following todays qualifying hour. Nico qualified fifth and will start on the third row, having completed a single run in each qualifying session...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.