To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 4 - 5 February 2025.

• Secured Williams 3rd place in the 1998 Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship
• Chassis raced by reigning Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion Jacques Villeneuve in three Grands Prix, most notably finishing 5th in Australia and 4th in San Marino
• Subsequently designated a spare and test car for the rest of the 1998 campaign; driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Alex Zanardi, and Max Wilson
• Powered by a 3-litre Mecachrome V-10 engine producing more than 750 horsepower
• Offered for sale directly from Williams Heritage

Fresh from winning a ninth Formula 1 Constructors’ crown, Williams launched its FW20 to contest the 1998 season. Featuring a 3-litre Mecachrome V-10 engine that howled up to a mesmeric rev limit of 16,000 rpm, the car guided the team to 3rd place in the standings thanks to defending World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and his team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

This example, chassis 03, was driven by Villeneuve in three races. The flamboyant Canadian gave the car its competitive debut in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. He kicked-off by qualifying 4th in Melbourne before securing 5th at the flag. Although unable to convert 7th on the grid in Argentina due to a collision with McLaren rival David Coulthard, Villeneuve piloted chassis 03 to 6th in qualifying in San Marino before climbing two positions to 4th.

Thereafter, chassis 03 was a designated spare car and used for testing, with notable Williams alumni Juan Pablo Montoya, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Alex Zanardi, and Max Wilson all racking up critical development mileage.

Offered for sale by Williams Heritage, FW20-03 is eligible for historic racing events and demonstrations plus would be a statement addition to any motorsport collection. Please note that in its current form, the car does not run. Refer to the FW20's history file to view a list of required items.

1998 Williams FW20, chassis FW20-03             DateEventDriverEntrantRace #Result 08 March 1998Australian Grand PrixJacques VilleneuveWilliams15th 12 April 1998Argentinian Grand PrixJacques VilleneuveWilliams1DNF (Collision) 26 April 1998San Marino Grand PrixJacques VilleneuveWilliams14th

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Veuillez noter que ce lot est entré dans l'UE sous couvert d'une autorisation d'importation temporaire, qui doit être annulée soit en exportant le lot en dehors de l'UE avec une lettre de débarquement approuvé accompagné des documents douaniers nécessaires, soit en payant la TVA et les droits d'importation applicables pour que le lot reste dans l'UE.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa25/.