Engineering reinforcements at Williams

Williams have expanded their engineering line-up as part of the team’s on-going work to strengthen their technical leadership structure ahead of the 2014 Formula One season.

As part of this process, Jakob Andreasen has joined as head of engineering operations and will work under chief technical officer Pat Symonds. Previously at Force India, Andreasen’s focus will be on better integrating trackside operations with the continued design and development of Williams’ 2014 car, the Mercedes-powered FW36, at the team’s UK factory. Andreasen is supported by two further appointments in Craig Wilson, head of vehicle dynamics, and Rod Nelson, chief test & support engineer.

Wilson returns to Williams from Mercedes to strengthen the engineering team in applying vehicle modelling and analysis to help bring further improvements to on-track performance. Nelson joins from Lotus to head up Williams’ testing programme, including leading the group at the factory that provides support and analysis from Grove over all race events.

Meanwhile, Max Nightingale is promoted to head of vehicle science, reporting directly to Andreasen, to ensure a focus on performance within the new structure which will improve the connection between race operations and on-going development work.

Commenting on the changes, Symonds said; "Williams is determined to make strong improvements in our competitiveness over the coming seasons and these new appointments continue our aggressive approach in recruiting some of the sport's best talent.

“We are also committed to allowing our existing talent to grow and showcase their skills in senior leadership roles. Our engineering team for the coming season is looking strong and I'm excited about what we can achieve moving forwards."

Williams are expected to debut the FW36 at the first of 2014’s three pre-season tests, which takes place at Jerez in Spain on January 28-31.