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Auto news; Williams FW31 British team is the latest to unveil its F1 challenger for 2009.
The race to start the 2009 Formula 1 season is well and truly underway. Williams is the latest squad to pull the wraps off its new car.

Team bosses chose a low-key launch, with the unveiling taking place at Portugal’s Portimao circuit.

Like all the challengers for this season, the Williams FW31 has been designed around radical new regulations that aim to reduce costs and increase on track action. Low downforce aerodynamics, slick tyres and hi-tech Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) all feature on the newcomer.

The Toyota-engined machine was straight out on track after the launch, with test driver Nico Hulkenberg putting the car through its paces. Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima are expected to get behind the wheel at a later date.

And don’t be fooled by the dark blue livery of the car in our pictures – the official colour scheme won’t be revealed until next month.

After several lacklustre seasons, the Oxfordshire-based outfit is hoping for a return to the top in 2009. “It will be a very interesting year ahead”, said Technical Director Sam Michael. “The new aero rules mean a different approach to the cars in a number of areas. However, by the time we get to Melbourne, I would expect the usual suspects to still be dominating the top two positions. More importantly, I hope Williams will have made a significantly large step forward with the FW31”.

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