Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Williams says the unique winglet it debuted during Formula 1's in-season test in Austria was primarily aimed at data collection.

As it battles to close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari, the aerodynamic addition to a previously unused area of the car follows a major update Williams introduced for last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

Williams believes that update, which helped Felipe Massa score the team's second successive podium, was a step forward as it allowed the car to generate more downforce.

The winglet, located in front of the rear wheels, appeared on the car during selected runs completed by Susie Wolff on Tuesday.

Valtteri Bottas did not use the new part during his running on Wednesday morning.

AUTOSPORT understands the winglet is aimed at gathering data on the airflow around the rear wheel to see whether that is an area where more development is worth pursuing.

"We have done tests here and you'll have seen some weird parts on the car," said Bottas when asked about the winglet.

"It was about getting data for the factory. That was always the plan behind it.

"I can't go too much into details, but we are working hard to understand which areas of the car we need to improve."

