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With the
commencement of testing for the 2017 Formula One season drawing closer the
Williams Martini team has yet to announce their replacement for Pat Symonds
who left the team last month but they have outlined changes amongst existing
staff.
One in
particular involves Williams' performance chief Rob Smedley. The team has
outlined how his role will change in 2017 with his role moving into
medium-to-long term development.
In 2016 Smedley was responsible for performance at races but in recent
interviews he has spoken of the necessity for the team to look at the medium
to long term if they wanted to improve.
In an interview for Autosport.com Smedley spoke of his changing role. He
said: "I'll still straddle between design and aero.
"But I will not only look after at the short term - making sure the car runs
and maximises its potential at the track and that we have a slick operation
in terms of what we're doing with the racing team.
"I'll start to look at the more medium-to-long term development. It's
important that we start to concentrate a bit harder on that, in order that
we're making steps into higher performance fields and not always trying to
work at the same level . That will be a key part of what I'm doing."
As for his part in the technical side of the Williams outfit, especially in
light of the rumoured return of Paddy Lowe Smedley added: "It's not entirely
defined.
"That's not because we're disorganised but because we're trying to see how
best the structure is going to fall out and where best to use everyone's
talents.
"It will become clear, especially when the new car comes out, as a lot will
depend where the biggest need is. I work for Williams, I'm passionate about
this team, as I have been since I was a kid.
"I'm happy to be part of the ongoing rejuvenation of Williams and I want to
see it through in whatever role that is in."
“It’s important for me to see it through to the end. I’ve made a commitment
to the team.
“It was a lean year [in 2016], but people who don’t show resolve and walk
away during the lean times for a more comfortable warmer environment to be
in are perhaps not the people Williams want to employ anyway.” |
