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Williams FW14B runs for first time since 1992 on 40th anniversay

Williams ran Nigel Mansell's title-winning FW14B on track for the first time in 25 years as part of an event at Silverstone to mark the Formula 1 team's 40th anniversary.

Tens of thousands of fans claimed free tickets for Friday's event, which was headlined with the running of FW14B for the first time since his 1992 title-winning campaign.

Ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok, who is the official driver of the Williams Heritage division, completed a handful of laps in the Renault-powered car, which won nine times in Mansell's hands in 1992.

Mansell attended the event, as did several other ex-Williams drivers including current F1 world champion Nico Rosberg and his title-winning father Keke, 1996 champion Damon Hill and current drivers Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll.

The March 761/7 Williams made its grand prix debut with in 1977 - along with a host of its own designs including the FW06, FW07, FW07B, FW08B, FW10, FW11, FW14B, FW15C, FW18, FW19, FW34 and FW36 - were on static display in garages.

Sir Frank Williams made his first public appearance since he returned home from hospital along with co-founder Sir Patrick Head, who flew in from Sicily.

F1 bosses Sean Bratches and Ross Brawn were also in attendance, with deputy team principal Claire Williams saying they were keen "to experience what teams can do when they want to".

"I'm buzzing, it's been a brilliant day," said Williams. "It's brilliant to have so many fans here to share our 40th anniversary. I couldn't be prouder.

"We wanted to get the FW14B out, it hasn't run since 1992, it was tricky to, and it's such a complex car anyway.

"The people who engineered at the time or who worked on the engine aren't around any more - so it's been a piece of work to make it happen.

"Seeing the span of cars over the years and the changing technologies and the changing sound, the difference is phenomenal.

"We've had lots of our old drivers here, plus lots of ex-Williams employees here who have made a huge contribution to Williams, so it's fantastic to reunite."

Felipe Massa, who drove the iconic six-wheel FW08B, said: "It was good fun to drive. I had a misfire so I had to stop, but it was really nice, a good feeling.

"When you're driving, you don't think you have six wheels, but it looks nice, it's got good grip and even the gearbox was easier than I expected.

"The number of people here today - it shows how important Williams is for Formula 1. It's nice to be part of this."

Williams plan to run the FW14B and FW08B for parade laps during the British Grand Prix weekend of July 15-16 as well as hosting a static display of its iconic cars at Silverstone.

Zdroj: autosport.com