Jan.9 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas has revealed that Williams' 2013 car will not feature a 'stepped' front nose.

Following the public's reaction to the aesthetics of last year's cars, the FIA has allowed teams to install a "structurally irrelevant" laminate over the step in 2013.

The 'modesty panel', however, is not mandatory, which had raised doubts about whether teams would actually take up the option.

Bottas, Williams' rookie driver for 2013, told Finnish broadcaster MTV3: "As far as looks, the (2013) car is pretty much as it was last year.

"With the new rules, the step nose is straightened. That is the biggest difference in appearance.

"The new car is a development version of last year's. There are certain improvements in aerodynamics.

"We have tried to focus on getting more traction in corners," added Bottas.

He said he did not know whether he or Pastor Maldonado, Williams' continuing Venezuelan driver, will give the FW35 its track debut at Jerez early next month.

"Pastor and I will share all the test dates, so six days (each)," said the Finn.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version

F1 News  F1 Schedule  F1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  F1 Tickets  Live F1 Coverage

Full Version: Formula 1 News  Formula 1 Schedule  Formula 1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  Live F1 Coverage  10 'n' Pole  F1 Regulations  The Forums  Motorsport Shop  F1 Merchandise  F1 Tickets  F1 Diecast  F1 Videos  F1 Games