Williams launch their 2015 car; the FW37 at Jerez

This morning, the Martini Williams Racing Team have launched their 2015 car; the FW37 just before the start of the first pre-season test in Jerez this weekend.

This season the Williams team will be looking to build on their successful 2014 campaign where the team achieved nine podium finishes and finished third in the Constructors' Championship.

The team showed strong development throughout last season and aim to continue this as the regulations show minimal changes for the new season ahead. There are however a few differences between the FW37 and its predecessor.

The new rules for the 2015 season will see changes to the front nose box and bulkhead of the car, a move away from the rule that saw so many different variations of nose throughout the 2014 season.

My first thoughts of the FW37 (see picture above) is that there is no doubt that the car has improved in terms of its design from last season and has evolved beautifully. I especially love the rear end of the FW37, it is beautifully packaged and looks stunning.

In an interview at the launch of the FW37 this morning, Williams Team Principal and Founder, Sir Frank Williams hopes that the team can build on what they have achieved last season

'After such a strong season in 2014 we are looking to continue the move back towards the front of the grid. The move from ninth to third was a tough challenge, but ultimately every step up from now on will be even harder. I am confident that we have the appropriate personnel and talent in this team to make those steps.

'We have an experienced driver line-up, with both drivers finishing on the podium throughout last year and hungry for more success in 2015, new commercial partners to add to the continued support from our already impressive roster, and have a technical team that is amongst the best on the grid.

'I am looking forward to seeing the car in testing and assessing how other teams have fared over the winter in comparison to us. We should, once again, have a very exciting season ahead of us which will hopefully bring more success to Williams.'

As Williams points out in his interview at the launch this morning, they want to keep on with the momentum and the performances that they gained last season and he is confident that they have everything in place behind the scenes in the factory especially the key personnel to ensure that this objective is achieved this year.

Williams does make a valid point in regards to the driver line up for the team this season. With Massa and Bottas behind the wheel once again, they have the expertise and experience to develop the FW37 throughout the course of the year but also have the talent to match or succeed what they achieved in 2014 and are just as hungry for success as Williams is.

But it is clear that Williams is looking forward to the season ahead and seeing how they perform on the track as well as their rivals too during the pre-season testing to see which areas can be developed or improved before the start of the season in Melbourne next month.

In her own interview at the launch of the FW37, Williams' Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams echoes the same sentiments as her father and hopes that 2015 is an improvement on a successful 2014 for the team. Williams stated the following:-

'The team learnt and developed a lot in 2014 and this has made us a better team and well prepared for the challenges that face us as we head into a new season. We are all eager to see where we are in comparison to our rivals. We have worked hard over the past six months to get this car ready, but it is in no way the final product, we have a lot of work to do throughout the season as we push for constant improvements in performance.

'I am incredibly confident in the team around me and the line-up we have that 2015 can make it another successful and exciting year for Williams Martini Racing, and now can't wait to get back on track.'

It would seem that Williams echoes the sentiments of her father and hopes that 2015 will be a continuation of the success that they achieved last season and believe that they are well prepared for the long season ahead of them to achieve this objective. Just like her father, Williams is eager to see just how their rivals perform on the circuit in regards to them and see where they lie in comparison, despite being confident that the FW37 being as ready as it can be after six months of hard work at the factory.

But Williams is realistic and understands that there is a long season ahead and just like their rivals, the team will constantly improving and developing their cars throughout 2015 as they gain more mileage on the cars. However, she is confident that the Williams team will be able to deliver and further improve the FW37 and hopefully be as successful as last season or even perform better if the chance presents itself on the track.

But overall, it is clear for all to see that Williams are heading into the 2015 season confident that they can match or even succeed their performances from a successful 2014 season. However, the team are realistic and understand that their rivals will have worked hard over the winter to improve and close the gap down to them, despite them getting the FW37 in the best possible position that they can now.

With Massa and Bottas staying with the Williams team this season, they have continuity and also two capable and talented racing drivers that can deliver if everything comes together on the track and can push each other on the track; while also developing the car too.

Will the 2015 season be kind to the Williams team and will we see them build upon what they achieved the previous season? I really hope that they can and I think that the team are more than capable of being at the front of the grid challenging for podiums and even victories if they get the chance; but their future is looking very bright indeed and they have every right to be optimistic about the season ahead too.

• Sarah Jones*