Williams to have two identical cars in Las Vegas

« What a mess… There are a lot of damaged parts " He may smile, but Ed Ray, technician of Williams, is aware that his next days will be very long and that it is in Grove's workshop that they will mainly take place.

Because before thinking about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the English team has launched into a race against time in the hope of arriving there with its two cars in roadworthy condition. A situation caused by the (violent) exits of Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon in Brazil, at the end of a Sunday that cost the team dearly, both on a sporting and financial level.

« No team on the grid is capable of coping with five major accidents in two race weekends, noted James Vowles. The spare parts we have are not sufficient to deal with such damage.. » The team principal then promised that the team would do its best. to ensure both cars are of the best possible specification with sufficient spare parts »

“Everyone pushed the boundaries”

The repair operation then began and the employees' schedule between Brazil and Las Vegas (November 22-24) was adapted so that they could work on the FW46s. The first elements arrived at the workshop on the night of Thursday to Friday (November 7-8), with a first shipment of damaged parts and then the chassis a little later.

Under the tutelage of Ben Howard, chief mechanic, it was necessary to manage the tasks well to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. The mission began with sorting out what was salvageable and what was not, and then starting the repair of the elements to be repaired. A long-term job that ended a week later and in a good way since the pilots will have the same equipment in Las Vegas.

« Everyone pushed the boundaries, rejoices Ben Howard. I think we're going to be able to show up in Las Vegas in better shape than we were. [in Brazil]. Hats off to everyone. No one has given up, everyone has been going full throttle these last few days.. » Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon can thank them, no doubt by avoiding further accidents as Williams could well find itself without parts, this time for good.

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