In 1981 the year was already known, that the British team will not use turbo engines that are a hit in FI. It was therefore decided to look for an advantage in the double rear axle. Model of the season 1982 marked with the symbol FW08 had a shorter wheelbase, to add one more pair of wheels. Four smaller rear wheels in diameter 13 cali (on the front of a similar diameter, but with hoops 15 cali) should reduce air resistance on straight lines, improve traction when cornering and streamline airflow around the rear of the body. Designer Patrick Head also used the provision allowing profiling of the floor only between the axes (in the shape of a Venturi tube). He recognized, that two extreme axes should be taken into account, thus the venturi lengthened in the rear part. Double rear axle tests, still in Williams FW07E (with 1981 r.), exposed the weakness of such a structure – the lower part of the rear rockers was obstructing the airflow through the venturi. This problem was fixed in the FW08D version tested in the fall 1982 r. – the driveshafts were also the lower elements of the suspension. However, the tests carried out at Donington Park circuit turned out so promising, that… The International Automobile Federation immediately introduced a law banning more than four wheels
– valid from 1983 r. – by the way, also prohibiting four-wheel drive. The Williams FW08D then drove straight to the museum.