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Fulfilling An F1 Dream

With the Masters Historic Racing series fast approaching the end, and with our minds full of the next events it got us thinking about the last few months working with one of our lovely clients.


ADP Classic Racing. Gateway to historic F1 motorsport events

When Restoration turns into Racing


We first met our client when he approached us interested in our premium restoration services (see an example here)

As the conversation broadened, he explained his strong background in modern gentlemen drivers’ events where he has experienced success in GT Racing and F4. This resulted in an interest in historic racing and from this the client asked us to source a historic F1 car. This would enable him to enter the GP Historique of Monaco fulfilling an ambition to experience the culture of European racing.

Of course, we were thrilled and quickly set to work sourcing a historic F1 car that would be fast and safe.


Sourcing the 1976 Williams FW05


Thankfully we are somewhat experienced in finding wonderful vehicles, hidden treasures, right for our client’s needs and ambitions and this was no exception.

The Williams FW05 was the perfect car, from an era before an emphasis of powerful aerodynamics, its mechanical grip was perfect for the slower speeds of the winding and narrow Monaco circuit. And, since the FW05 had already competed in the Monaco Grand Prix, we could be confident that our client would get an entry to the race.



Delving into the Machine


Organising a test day, we were able to put the car through its paces and although the FW05 was a glorious period F1 car it of course needed some work and we put together a programme of work, signed off by the client, to it get race-ready which included:


  • Stripping the car down to its bare components

  • Crack testing of all safety items

  • Refreshing the engine and gearbox

  • Commission of a new fuel cell

  • Restoring previously modified rear bearing to specification

  • Bespoke rear new uprights, created in collaboration with TECNIQ

  • Full kinematic study of the vehicle

  • Redesigned front anti-roll bar


Once the work was complete, we thoroughly reviewed the entire car and got to work on ensuring the geometry would provide our client with the very best handling and performance. Here we found our redesigned front roll bar made a big difference.



Time to Test … Physically and Digitally!


With all the work completed we were eager to test the car. That’s where we hit a problem … Covid!


Due to the associated limitations, we initially took a dual approach to testing, testing on track with our driver and providing our client with data to enable them to test the car in the virtual environment of a simulator. This also enabled the client to learn the circuits and have a bit of practice with the car. The real-world and digital data were surprisingly similar!


As Covid dragged on, and rather than waiting for it to end, we shipped the car to our client’s home country to enable them to carry out their own testing programme where we supported them remotely.


A slightly creative approach to testing but an effective one, nonetheless. We were able to identify and action any potential issues and continue to dial performance into the car.



Getting Race Ready


Once remote testing was complete the FW05 was shipped back to us for race preparation which included the all-important re-crack testing and associated certification which was turned around in quick time to enable our client to attend his first historic F1 event, the Silverstone Festival.



The Silverstone Festival 2023


After all the hard work, the ambition and the conversations, we were very proud to see the car hit the track at Silverstone where it took its place in a field of gleaming historic machinery. And …


The client did exceptionally well at Silverstone Festival, considering it was his first time driving the FW05 in its new and improved form and his first time on the circuit.


A real testament to his ability and hard work, to the wonderful and tireless work of our ADP Classic Racing engineers and to the constant collaboration between all involved.


ADP Classic Racing. Gateway to historic F1 motorsport events

The Search for Downforce


What do you need when you’ve got a powerful and authentic historic F1 racing car? … Another one!


Having competed in the last remaining rounds of the Master Racing Racing Legends series with the FW05, the client realised two things - he was comfortable and at one with the FW05, ready for Monaco! But he wanted to be able to fight for overall podiums in the Masters series!


The world of historic racing is very exciting, and our client had got the bug. But although he is a very capable and competitive driver, he was hampered in the Maters series by a car from an era before the aerodynamic advancements associated with F1, competing with later cars from the ground effect era. The car was misrepresenting his talent.


The FW07C provided our client with a platform to tune in greater performance and use our racing and engineering knowledge to greater effect. They were able to assess and adapt the aerodynamics, geometry and kinematics to dial in performance according to the track and in line with FIA’s regulations.


ADP Classic Racing. Gateway to historic F1 motorsport events

The 1981 Williams FW07C


As with the FW05, we got to work deep into the car to ensure every millimetre was assessed and presented back to the client for maximum performance and safety. We sent the tub to a specialist enabling us to focus on all other areas of the car and ensure the overall race programme was on track.



Hitting the Track


After all the hard work it was great to be on track, fulfilling our client’s dream of European racing, taking both the FW05 and the FW07 to prestigious events which included


  • The Historic Grand Prix of Monaco

  • Brands Hatch – a very successful race in the Williams FW07C, finishing in 2nd place

  • Zandvoort

  • Silverstone Festival, using a BR01 LMP2 car, coming 6th overall in the Masters Endurance Legends race, but 2nd in class.


Some fantastic running and some great results after a summer of racing.



The world’s most prestigious motoring events with ADP Classic Racing


ADP Classic Racing are pleased to work with clients across the world to fulfil their ambitions of taking part in some of the world’s most prestigious motoring events.


If your objective is to compete at Goodwood Revival, Monaco Historique or enter classic events at Silverstone, Le Mans, or Spa, or your dream is to participate in the Tour Auto, the Mille Miglia, or enter a national UK race meeting, ADP Classic Racing can help.


We are proud to offer engineering expertise to support your historic motorsport ambitions including; vehicle preparation, full restoration, driver support and training, event support, entry and logistics, covered transportation, storage, detailing and paint correction.


In addition to traditional race weekends and/or classic motorsport events, we also provide a host of services to both restore and maintain valuable historic classic vehicles and to support and prepare drivers for competitive and enjoyable running at world-renowned historic motorsport events. Events which, in recent years, have included the Mille Miglia, Le Mans and Targa Florio.


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