Williams Racing Formula One drivers swapped out their cars for a day of operating Komatsu’s mining machines
Formula One (F1) team Williams Racing recently saw its drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto visit Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds to experience the immense size and advanced technology of its mining equipment.
With Komatsu being Williams Racing’s principal partner, the F1 drivers and team principal James Vowles had the chance to operate Komatu’s latest Power Agnostic 930E electric drive mining trucks, which the OEM says stand as tall as a two-storey house.
The team also operated the PC7000-11 surface mining excavator, which Komatsu says has a bucket capable of holding 36 cubic metres (47 cubic yards) of material.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news in the earthmoving industry
- Never miss a great deal and subscribe to our monthly magazine
- Download a free copy of our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the earthmoving industry
The OEM adds that the unique experience required the racing team to push their skills to new limits as they navigated rugged terrain and steep inclines – all while managing the significant power and weight of the machines.
“It has been a privilege to spend the day with Komatsu at their Arizona Proving Grounds and gain further insight into how they use the facility to develop and test their incredible machines,” Vowles says.
Albon adds that it was a great experience, being a different type of drive than what he’s used to.
“The size of the machines we had the chance to operate was mind blowing, so I’m grateful for the Komatsu trainer I had alongside me,” he says.
“While the skillset is different, the level of expertise needed to drive a F1 car and a giant excavator is more similar than I expected.”
